Red Or Green Pepper Jelly(Makes 6 To 7 Pints)
Sweet and tangy pepper jelly with a floral hint from dandelions, perfect for spreading or gifting, offering vibrant flavor and colorful presentation.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup minced bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup hot green peppers
- 2 tablespoons Tabasco ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cider vinegar ⓘ
- 6 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 box Certo (containing 2 packages)
- 3 drops green or red food coloring ⓘ
- 1 quart yellow dandelion blossoms (no stems)
- 1 quart water ⓘ
- 1 package powdered fruit pectin (1 3/4 oz.)
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash dandelion blossoms and boil in water for 3 minutes.
- Strain, reserving 3 cups of liquid.
- Discard blossoms.
- Combine the reserved liquid, powdered fruit pectin, and lemon extract in a large heavy saucepan.
- Stir over medium heat until almost boiling.
- Blend in sugar and bring to a rolling boil.
- Boil for 3 minutes.
- Pour into sterilized 1/2-pint jars.
- Seal at once with paraffin or cover and refrigerate to store.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier jelly, consider using more hot green peppers or adjust the amount of Tabasco to your taste. If you don't have dandelion blossoms, you can substitute with other edible flowers or try using a mix of bell peppers for added flavor. Make sure to properly sterilize your jars to ensure the jelly lasts longer.
Serving Suggestions
This pepper jelly is fantastic served over cream cheese as an appetizer or paired with crackers. It also complements grilled meats, making it a great addition to barbecues. For a delightful twist, try it as a glaze on roasted vegetables or alongside dishes like Meatless Holuptsi for a unique flavor contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of pepper jelly in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a month. If you prefer to keep them longer, consider freezing the jelly in airtight containers, which can extend its shelf life significantly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Or Green Pepper Jelly(Makes 6 To 7 Pints) contains roughly 24 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A.
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 different types of peppers in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with a variety of peppers, such as jalapeños for heat or sweeter varieties like red bell peppers for a milder taste. Just be mindful of the overall balance of flavors and adjust the sugar accordingly.
What if I don't have Certo for pectin?
If you can't find Certo, you can substitute it with any powdered fruit pectin that contains similar instructions. Alternatively, you could use liquid pectin, but you'll need to adjust the recipe steps slightly to accommodate the different cooking times.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the jelly?
To make a less sweet jelly, reduce the sugar by up to a cup, but be aware that this may affect the gelling process. Using a sugar substitute can also work, but ensure it is suitable for canning and follow the specific guidelines for that product.
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).