Zesty Jalapeno Lemon Jelly Food

ZESTY JALAPENO LEMON JELLY

Steps:

• Zest lemons with a zester. Make sure to only get the yellow portion of the lemon and not the white part underneath, as that is often bitter.
• Combine vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest and jalapeno peppers in a food processor. Pulse to desired fineness. Stir in pectin powder. Heat the jalapeno slurry and when hot combine with sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
• Boil hard for 5 minutes and stir often. Remove from heat. If there is any foam, use a slotted spoon to scoop it out.
• Carefully pour into sterilized jars and fasten lids. Process in boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
• Remove with canning tongs and let jars cool for 24 hours.
• As the jelly sets, I will sometimes invert the jar after about an hour of cooling so all of the seeds and zest don't settle at the bottom.

LEMON JALAPENO JELLY

Steps:

• Combine vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest and jalapeno peppers in a blender. Pulse to desired fineness. Combine with sugar in saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil hard for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat and skim to remove foam. Cool 2 minutes, then mix in pectin and food color.
• Pour into sterilized jars and fasten lids. Process in boiling water bath for 15 minutes, if desired, or refrigerate. Cool.
• Invert jars a few times after about 30 minutes of cooling to distribute peppers evenly before jelly completely sets.

BLUEBERRY JALAPENO JELLY

Steps:

• In one saucepan, combine the peppers, vinegar, 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1 cup water. Cook on medium high for 20 minutes, then using a sieve, remove all the peppers from the liquid and set aside.
• In another saucepan, place blueberries, 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/2 cup water and cook on medium high for 20 minutes, Strain with a cheesecloth or jelly bag.
• Combine both liquids into one of the pans, adding sugar/Splenda. Cook on medium low until the sugar dissolved. Skim any foam off of the surface.
• Bring mix to a boil and add 1 box pectin and bring to a rolling boil for one minute.
• Remove from heat, skim off any foam and ladle into sterilized jelly jars and place lids tightly on the jars.
• Boil in a hot water bath (with 1-2 inches of water over the lids) for 5 minutes.
• Set on counter to cool and to set. Listen for the lids to pop. They could pop anywhere from 2 minutes to 2 hours afterward.
• If they do not pop, they are not sealed and will need to be refrigerated and used immediately.

JALAPENO JELLY

Steps:

• After removing stems and seeds from jalapenos, puree in food processor with 1 cup cider vinegar.
• Combine puree, additional 1 cup cider vinegar, and sugar in large saucepot. Bring to a boil; boil 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Stir in liquid pectin. Return to a rolling boil and boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
• Skim foam, if necessary, and stir in a few drops of food coloring, if desired.
• Ladle hot jelly into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Adjust 2 piece caps. Process 10 minutes in a boiling water canner.

JALAPENO PEPPER JELLY

Steps:

• Mix peppers, sugar, and vinegar in a large nonreactive saucepan.
• Bring to a boil, and boil for 5 minutes.
• Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
• Add pectin and optional food coloring.
• Return to heat, and bring to a full rolling boil for 1 minute.
• Pour into hot, sterilized half-pint canning jars to within 1/2" of top.
• Wipe tops of jars.
• Center lids on top of jars, and screw on bands firmly.
• Fill a canning kettle or large pot (with bottom rack) with water, and bring water to a boil.
• Gently lower jars into water.
• Water should cover jars by at least 1".
• Bring water to a full boil.
• Reduce heat to a gentle boil, cover, and process for 5 minutes.
• When processed, carefully remove jars from water using tongs or a jar-lifter.
• Place upside-down on a rack or thick towels, and let cool without moving for 12-24 hours.
• Jars will make popping sounds while cooling if sealed.
• Check seal on each jar by pressing down on lid; if it doesn't push, it's sealed.
• If it does push down, store in refrigerator until used.
• Otherwise store in a cool, dark place.
• Makes about 5-6 half-pint jars. To serve, stir to soften, pour over an 8 oz block of cream cheese, and spread on assorted crackers.
• Or use like any other jelly; it's great for a spicy peanut butter and jelly sandwich.