Blue Ribbon Habanero Apricot Jam Food

HABANERO JAM

Steps:

• Coarsely chop chiles in a food processor. Transfer to a small bowl and mix in tequila. Let sit uncovered 1-3 hours (chiles will get less spicy as they soak; in 1 hour, they'll sink to the heat level of a jalapeño). Drain chiles; reserve tequila for another use.
• Transfer chiles to a small saucepan; add onion, vinegar, orange juice, raw sugar, salt, and 1 cup water and bring to a boil over medium-low heat. Cook until chiles are tender and liquid is syrupy, 50-60 minutes. Let cool.
• Do Ahead
• Jam can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.

HABANERO PINEAPPLE JAM

Steps:

• Drain pineapple well, reserving 1/2 cup pineapple juice.
• Inspect 8 half-pint jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water. Place jars and lids on a rack in a large pot of boiling water; sterilize for about 5 minutes. Remove jars from water and place on kitchen towel or wooden board.
• Mix sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt together in an 8-quart pot and cook over medium heat to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a boil and add the pineapple, reserved pineapple juice, minced bell pepper, habanero peppers, and carrots. Bring back to a rapid boil for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Add powdered pectin, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition. Let jam boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and ladle into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch at the top. Wipe off any spillage around the rims of the jars using a damp paper towel.
• Screw on tops and rings. Place the sealed jars back in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove jars from boiling water and place on kitchen towel or wooden board. Allow to cool completely, 12 to 24 hours. Listen for a "pop" as jars cool and seal.

HABANERO APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Pit and chop apricots; place in a Dutch oven. Stir in lemon juice. Place habaneros in a blender; add a small amount of apricot mixture. Cover and process until smooth. Return to the pan. , Stir in pectin. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar; return to a full rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly., Remove from the heat; skim off foam. Carefully ladle hot mixture into hot sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Wipe rims and adjust lids. Process for 5 minutes in a boiling-water canner. , For best results, let processed jam stand at room temperature for 2 weeks to set up.

BLUE RIBBON HABANERO APRICOT JAM

Steps:

• Pit and chop apricots; place in a Dutch oven or soup kettle. Stir in lemon juice.
• Place habaneros in a blender; add a small amount of apricot mixture. Cover and process until smooth. Return to the pan.
• Stir in pectin. Bring to a full rolling boil.
• Quickly stir in sugar. Return to a full rolling boil; boil and stir for 1 minute.
• Pour hot mixture into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-in headspace. Adjust caps.
• Process for 10 minutes in a boiling-water bath.
• For best results, let processed jam stand at room temperature for 2 weeks to set up.
• Makes 11 half-pints.

APRICOT HABANERO JAM

Steps:

• Pit and chop apricots; place in a Dutch oven or stockpot. Stir in lemon juice. Place habaneros in a blender; add a small amount of apricot mixture. Cover and process until smooth. Return to the pan. Stir in pectin. Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar; return to a full rolling boil. Boil and stir 1 minute. , Remove from heat; skim off foam. Pour hot mixture into 11 hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight. , Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process 10 minutes. Remove jars and cool. For best results, let processed jam stand at room temperature for 2 weeks to set up.