Ball Canning Pepper Jelly Food

RED PEPPER JELLY

Steps:

• Line a sieve with cheese cloth, put over a large measuring jug or a saucepan, and set aside OR get a jelly bag ready.
• Core and seed the red peppers, cut into large chunks, put into food processor along with 100 ml (1/2 cup / 4 oz ) of the cranberry juice and using the pulse button, whiz into fine chunks, but not into a paste or purée.
• Empty the food processor contents into a medium-sized saucepan. Add the remaining juice (that's 775 ml / 3 cups / 24 oz, if you are tracking the math ) and the teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Bring to a rolling boil.
• Remove from burner immediately.
• Pour into jelly-bag or cheesecloth-lined sieve from step 1. Let stand for 1 to 2 hours.
• Discard contents of the sieve.
• From the jug or saucepan, measure out 1 litre (4 cups) of liquid.
• Put liquid into another saucepan. Whisk in the cardamom (if using), the pectin, and the vinegar.
• Return the saucepan to the burner. Add the margarine if using.
• If using STEVIA: Bring to a full rolling boil over the heat and when it reaches that point, start timing 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add stevia to taste.
• If using SPLENDA or SUGAR: Bring to a full rolling boil over the heat and when it reaches that point, start timing 1 minute. Add in Splenda, bring back to a boil that you can't stir down, and boil for 1 minute after that point. Remove from heat.
• Add a few drops of red food colouring if desired for a deeper glowing colour (if you use red cranberry juice, you probably don't need it.)
• Ladle into either 125 ml (1/2 cup) or quarter-litre (1/2 US pint) jars.
• Leave 1 cm (1/4 inch) headspace.
• Debubble, adjust headspace.
• Wipe jar rims.
• Put lids on.
• Process in a water bath or steam canner.
• Process either size jar for 10 minutes; increase time as needed for your altitude.

HOT PEPPER JELLY

Steps:

• Sterilize 6 (8 ounce) canning jars and lids according to manufacturer's instructions. Heat water in a hot water canner.
• Place red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and jalapeno peppers in a large saucepan over high heat. Mix in vinegar and fruit pectin. Stirring constantly, bring mixture to a full rolling boil. Quickly stir in sugar. Return to full rolling boil, and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and skim off any foam.
• Quickly ladle jelly into sterile jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the tops. Cover with flat lids, and screw on bands tightly.
• Place jars in rack, and slowly lower jars into canner. The water should cover the jars completely, and should be hot but not boiling. Bring water to a boil, and process for 5 minutes.

JALAPEñO JELLY RECIPE

Steps:

• Prepare boiling water canner. Heat jars in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set bands aside.
• Purée peppers in food processor or blender with 1 cup cider vinegar until smooth. Do not strain purée.
• Combine purée with remaining 1 cup cider vinegar and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add Ball®RealFruit™ Liquid Pectin, immediately squeezing entire contents from pouches. Continue to boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add food coloring, if using, and skim foam if necessary. Ladle hot jalapeño jelly into hot jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band until fit is fingertip tight.
• Process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed.

PINEAPPLE PEPPER JELLY

Steps:

• BRING boiling-water canner, half-full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot, soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use.
• Drain jars well before filling.
• PARE and finely chop or grind pineapples. I prefer grinding because it releases the juices better.
• Place 3 layers of damp cheesecloth or jelly bag in large strainer over bowl.
• Pour prepared fruit into cheesecloth. Tie cheesecloth closedand let drip into bowl until dripping stops. Press gently.
• Measure exactly 3 cups juice into 6- or 8-quart saucepot. You should have enough juice, but if you don't you can add up to 1/2 cup water, or unsweetened canned pineapple juice.
• Add finely ground peppers to juice.
• STIR sugar into juice in saucepot.
• Add butter to reduce foaming, if desired.
• Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly.
• STIR in pectin quickly. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat & skim off any foam with metal spoon.
• LADLE quickly into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads.
• Cover with two-piece lids.
• Screw bands tightly.
• Place jars in a water bath canner, water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches; add boiling water if needed.
• Cover; bring water to gentle boil & process 5 minutes.
• Remove jars and place upright on a towel to cool completely.
• After jars cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.