Mamma'S Pepper Jelly
A vibrant, spicy pepper jelly with bold flavors, perfect for gifting or serving with cheese and crackers, appealing to those who enjoy sweet and fiery spreads.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the peppers and vinegar into a blender container.
- Chop to a medium-fine consistency.
- Pour the mixture into a large stainless steel boiler.
- Add sugar and stir to mix well.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Watch carefully to prevent boiling over.
- Remove from heat.
- Strain through a large stainless steel strainer.
- Return to a boil and boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat.
- Immediately add Certo and a drop or two of red or green food coloring, if desired.
- Pour the jelly into sterilized jars and seal.
- Use as gifts or serve as a spread with cream cheese and crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder pepper jelly, consider using fewer hot peppers or adding more bell peppers. If you don't have Certo, you can substitute it with another pectin product, but make sure to follow the specific instructions for that brand. Ensure your jars are sterilized properly to maintain freshness. Always stir the mixture continuously to avoid scorching.
Serving Suggestions
This pepper jelly is delicious as a spread over cream cheese with crackers, making it an excellent appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Mrs. Conley'S Pot Pie, adding a sweet and spicy contrast. You can also use it as a glaze for meats or as a condiment for sandwiches for an added kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep the jelly in the refrigerator, where it will last for several weeks. To reheat, simply place the jelly in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring gently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mamma'S Pepper Jelly contains roughly 140 calories, with 6g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (133% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 604mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen peppers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peppers, but make sure they are thawed and drained of excess moisture before blending. Fresh peppers will provide a brighter flavor, but frozen will work in a pinch.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the jelly?
To adjust the sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly, but be cautious, as it may affect the jelly's consistency. Alternatively, you could add a bit of lemon juice to balance the sweetness without losing the jelly's structure.
Can I make this jelly without vinegar?
Vinegar is essential for the preservation and flavor balance in this recipe. However, you could experiment with other acidic liquids like lemon juice, but this will alter the taste and shelf life of the jelly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).