Description
This Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the spicy kick of candied jalapeños, creating a vibrant and flavorful jelly. Perfect as a sweet-spicy condiment, it pairs wonderfully with cream cheese and crackers, grilled meats, or as a glaze ingredient. The jelly is made using traditional canning methods to preserve freshness and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Peppers
- 1 1/2 cups diced pineapple (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 cup cowboy candy (candied jalapeños, chopped)
Liquids and Flavorings
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Thickening and Sweetener
- 1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large saucepan, combine the diced pineapple, chopped cowboy candy, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Use an immersion blender or pulse in a food processor just enough to partially blend while retaining some chunkiness for texture.
- Add pectin and bring to boil: Stir in the fruit pectin thoroughly. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Incorporate sugar and cook: Once boiling, add all the granulated sugar at once. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Return to a full rolling boil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, maintaining constant stirring to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Remove foam and jar: Remove the saucepan from heat and skim off any foam on the surface for clarity. Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace to allow for expansion.
- Seal and process jars: Wipe the rims of jars to remove any residue. Place sterilized lids and rings on the jars, tightening them securely but not overly tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
- Cool and store: Remove jars and allow them to cool undisturbed on a towel or cooling rack. Once cooled, check seals by pressing the center of the lids; a sealed lid will not flex. Store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
Notes
- This jelly is delicious served over cream cheese with crackers, offering a balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
- Try brushing it over grilled meats or mixing it into sauces and glazes for a flavor boost.
- Adjust the heat intensity by varying the amount of cowboy candy to suit your taste preferences.
- The jelly will thicken as it cools; if it becomes too firm, gently reheat before using.
- Once opened, store refrigerated and consume within a few weeks for best quality.
