The Making of Jalapeno Jelly

No more promises from me...no more plans to have planned adventures...I'm just planning to live life and write about it when I can. Today I've spent most of my time trying to perfect jalapeno jelly. My first effort a week ago resulted in  vinegary, sour congealed jelly that looked beautiful, but wouldn't win any taste tests. I'm hoping this second batch comes out a little better.


A colleague of mine shared the recipe she got from the Ball liquid pectin box. It's not a hard process, and it can produce nice little jars of green jalapeno jelly, you just have to tweak it a bit. I'm planning to give it as gifts to our family this Christmas.

**Updated after a complete failure of this batch of jelly to set! Apparently you can not follow the directions on the package of liquid pectin. I've been told that you should use 1 package of the pectin, not two. And the substitution of apple juice for the vinegar isn't necessary. Speculation is that the extra package of pectin caused the vinegary taste in the first batch.
Here's the final recipe after some changes and additions!
1 box Ball or Certo liquid pectin (2 packages)**
15 fresh jalapeno peppers
3 Serrano peppers
1/2 small green bell pepper (may substitute red or orange)
5 cups sugar
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup apple juice **

Wash and seed the peppers. This is by far the most difficult and time-consuming part of the process. Put the peppers into a blender with the apple cider vinegar. Blend on low so the peppers are chopped but not minced. Pour the pepper mixture into a large pot. Add 5 cups sugar and the one cup apple juice. You can adjust the amount of sugar to taste. Bring to a hard boil and let the mixture boil for ten minutes. Add the two packets of liquid pectin and boil for one minute longer. Pour the liquid into prepared jars, seal and screw on the lid. The jelly will set within several hours and is preserved once the seal on the lid pops.

Serve the jelly on crackers with cream cheese for an easy holiday snack.


If you want to dress the jars up a bit, you can do this with Christmas print material purchased at your local craft store. Cut the material with pinking shears into a square large enough to fit generously over the size lid you have. Tie ribbon or material of choice into a bow around the jar and add a gift tag.

You are on your way to becoming a domestic goddess!