Fiery Hot Pepper Jelly

20min Prep: 20min

Yield

4
Jars
  • 4 8 oz/250 ml canning jars
  • 1 cup red pepper, finely chopped (bell, or other sweet type)
  • 1 cup yellow pepper, finely chopped (bell, or other sweet type)
  • 4 habanero peppers, seeds removed and finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2.5 cup sugar
  • 0.5 cup cidar vinegar
  • 1 package liquid pectin

Servings: 4 Jars · Prep: 20 minutes · Cook: 20 minutes

  1. Sterilize the canning jars and lids in boiling water.
  2. Place all peppers in a large saucepan over high heat.
  3. Mix in vinegar and fruit pectin.
  4. Stirring constantly, bring to a rolling boil, then remove from heat.
  5. Add sugar and return to high heat. Bring to a rolling boil for one minute.
  6. Remove from heat and skim off any foam from the top.
  7. Ladle the jelly evenly into sterile jars, filling up to bottom of the threaded area. Add flat lids and screw on screw bands tight.
  8. Place jars into canner with hot water that is not yet boiling. Water should completly cover the jars. Cook on high heat to a boil, continuing to boil for 5 minutes.
  9. Remove from heat.
  10. When jars are completely cooled, check seals by pressing centers of lids with your finger. If the lids pop back up afterwards, they are not sealed, and will need to be used first and/or refrigerated.

Pepper jelly isn’t a very common thing in Canada, and I had never even heard of one until in my early 30’s. I was instantly addicted. Now that I am enjoying cooking more I thought I should make one. It turned out, a wonderful orange color with an amazing sweet heat. It is excellent on crackers with a baked brie, or as a glaze for a pork tenderloin.

As with any canning, it is important to sterilize your jars first. This can be done with a pot of boiling water.

Yellow Peppers
The red and yellow sweet peppers should be finely chopped.
Habaneros
The habaneros should be very finely chopped, you don't want large pieces of habanero in your jelly.
Cooking Peppers
Cook the peppers over high heat in the cidar vinegar and pectin.
Filling Jars
Fill the jars by spooning peppers into each jar first to ensure that each jar gets about an equal amount of peppers. Then the rest of the jelly can be ladeled or very carefully poured into the jars.
Sealing Jars
Sealing the jars happens in the canning process. With the water hot, but not boiling yet, place the jars in the canning pot. Ensure that water is at least up to the top of the jars, then bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. The lids will not spring back up when pressed if they are sealed. Jars that aren't sealed should be refrigerated.

Variations:

  • For a less fiery jelly, use a less hot pepper.
  • For a non-fiery jelly use only sweet peppers.