This Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly combines sweet pineapple with spicy cowboy candy (candied jalapeños) to create a unique and flavorful jelly that’s perfect for spreading on toast, serving with cheese, or as a glaze for meats. Here’s how you can make this delightful jelly:
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh pineapple, trimmed and cut into cubes
- 1 small 4-oz jar Cowboy Candy (candied jalapeños)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons butter (to reduce foaming)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 package Sure-Jel fruit pectin
- 6 cups sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fruit Mixture:
- Place the cubed pineapple in a food processor or blender. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed. You should have about 4 cups of chopped pineapple.
- In a large pot, combine the chopped pineapple, the contents of the 4-oz jar of Cowboy Candy (including the syrup), and lemon juice.
- Add Pectin:
- Stir the Sure-Jel fruit pectin into the fruit mixture. Add the butter to reduce foaming, which can occur during the boiling process.
- Cook the Jelly Mixture:
- Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly. A rolling boil is one that cannot be stirred down. This is crucial for the pectin to activate and set properly.
- Add Sugar and Boil:
- Quickly stir in all the sugar at once, and return the mixture to a full rolling boil. Once it reaches a boil, continue to boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly to ensure that the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture does not burn.
- Add Spices:
- After boiling, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the crushed red pepper flakes. This will add an extra kick of spice that complements the sweetness of the pineapple and the heat from the Cowboy Candy.
- Jar the Jelly:
- Immediately ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any jelly residue that could prevent sealing.
- Seal and Process:
- Place the lids on the jars and screw the bands on until fingertip tight. Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes (adjust the time for altitude if necessary). After processing, remove the jars and let them cool on a towel or rack without touching for 24 hours.
- Check Seals:
- After 24 hours, check the seals by pressing the center of each lid. If the lid does not pop back, it is sealed and can be stored. If a lid does not seal, refrigerate the jar and use it first.
Tips:
- Sterilizing Jars: To sterilize jars, boil them in water for 10 minutes before using.
- Storage: Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a few weeks.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this jelly with cream cheese on crackers for a quick appetizer, use it as a glaze for grilled pork or chicken, or simply enjoy it on toast.
Conclusion:
Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly is a wonderful blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that make it a versatile addition to many dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or trying jelly making for the first time, this recipe is straightforward and yields a delicious product that’s sure to impress. Enjoy your homemade jelly!