Description
Spicy-sweet cranberry pepper jelly brings festive holiday magic to appetizer spreads and cheese boards. Homemade condiment with tangy cranberries and zesty peppers delivers bold flavor that delights guests at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh cranberries
- 1 red bell pepper
- 12 jalapeños
Sweetening Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
Thickening Ingredient:
- 1 (3 ounces / 85 grams) package liquid pectin
Instructions
- Meticulously inspect and cleanse the cranberries, discarding any blemished or deteriorating fruits. Carefully dice the bell pepper and jalapenos into fine, uniform pieces, removing seeds to moderate the spiciness.
- Transfer the prepared cranberries, diced peppers, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water into a spacious cooking vessel. Elevate the heat to medium-high, stirring intermittently, allowing the cranberries to rupture and release their vibrant juices (approximately 10-12 minutes).
- For an ultra-smooth consistency, utilize an immersion blender to transform the mixture into a homogeneous liquid. Alternatively, for a crystal-clear jelly, carefully strain the concoction through a delicate mesh sieve or layers of cheesecloth, extracting all solids.
- Reignite the heat, returning the refined mixture to a vigorous boil. Incorporate the liquid pectin, maintaining a constant stir and allowing the mixture to bubble intensely for precisely one minute.
- Carefully ladle the molten jelly into sterilized glass containers, ensuring a modest quarter-inch gap at the top. Meticulously cleanse the jar rims, secure with pristine lids, and proceed with water bath processing for preservation.
- Allow the sealed jars to rest and stabilize at ambient temperature. Preserve unopened containers in a cool, shadowy environment. Upon opening, refrigerate immediately and consume within a fortnight for optimal flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting the number of jalapeno peppers, allowing spice-sensitive individuals to enjoy this vibrant jelly.
- Select firm, bright red cranberries for the most robust flavor and best texture in your final preserve.
- Use commercial pectin to ensure a consistent gel set, preventing runny or overly stiff jelly outcomes.
- Consider replacing water with fresh orange juice for added depth and subtle citrus undertones that complement the cranberry’s tartness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 166
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 4 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg