Naughty Nellies Five Pepper Jelly Recipes

CRESCENDO -- FIVE PEPPER JELLY

Steps:

• Cut peppers into 1-inch pieces and in a food processor chop very finely (remember to remove the Gusto™ seeds - they're HOT!).
• Transfer chopped peppers to a deep kettle, add sugar, vinegar, and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
• Stir in pectin and boil over moderately high heat, stirring, until it reaches the jelly stage (222ºF on a candy thermometer).
• Transfer the jelly to sterilized Mason-type jars, filling the jars to within ¼ inch of the tops.
• Run a clean silicone spatula between the jelly and the sides of the jars to eliminate air bubbles. Wipe the rims with a dampened towel and seal the jars.
• Note:Special equipment: instant read or candy thermometer, canning tongs.

FRESH FIVE-PEPPER JELLY

Steps:

• Put syrup, vinegar, and pepper flakes in a pot and reduce by 2/3 and until sticky.
• Place peppers in a hot skillet and saute about 30 minutes or until tender and the color is brightened.
• Add peppers to the syrup mixture with a slotted spoon.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.

EASIEST HOT PEPPER JELLY

Steps:

• Spoon out apple jelly into a saucepan.
• Add chopped jalapenos.
• Bring to a boil and let boil for 2 minutes.
• (This could also be done in a microwave).
• You can add a drop or two of food coloring if you want.
• Pour mixture into sterilized jar and lid; turn upside down for 5 minutes, then upright and it will seal.
• Or you can do it the lazy the way like I did- I poured it back into the jar I bought the apple jelly in (didn't even rinse the jar out), tightened the lid on and turn upside down and it sealed itself again.
• (I should put a disclaimer that I am not sure if you should do it the lazy way or not-but I keep the jar in the frig-no worries!).

5 PEPPER JELLY

Steps:

• 1. In two small bowls, put minced jalapenos in one and minced cayenne in the other. Add just enough vinegar to cover peppers and put in refrigerator overnight for the best flavor.
• 2. In a large, stainless steel saucepan, combine chopped and sliced peppers, pepper flakes, cider vinegar, and sugar. Cook over medium low heat until peppers are very soft and vinegar mixture is fully incorporated with pepper flavor, about 1 hour.
• 3. Strain vinegar mixture through a fine mesh sieve and discard pulp and seeds.
• 4. Return strained vinegar to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in liquid pectin; continue stirring constantly and bring back to boil for 1 minute - no longer! Remove from heat and skim off foam.
• 5. Divide jelly mixture and add red food color to one mixture and add the minced green jalapeno peppers. To the other half of the mixture add the green food color and the minced red cayenne peppers. If you like the golden color of natural pepper jelly then combine the minced red & green peppers into the jelly mixture.
• 6. Using a canning funnel, ladle jelly into sterilized jars. Seal, and process in a boiling-water canner for 5 minutes. While jelly is cooling occasionally turn jelly upside down or gently shake jars to keep the minced peppers evenly distributed in the jelly until it's set.
• 7. TIP: Sterilize your clean jars and lids in the oven. Place on a baking sheet at 250* F for 20 minutes, then turn oven down to 225* until all jars are used.