Monday, October 26, 2009

Hot Pepper Jelly - Southern-style appetizer

Yesterday my neighbors John & Rey helped me make Richard's grandmother's recipe for Hot Pepper Jelly and instead of boiling in hot water to seal we tried the paraffin method, so we'll see how this keeps - but it looks cute!In her original recipe she used only green bell peppers and jalapenos with a little green dye, I picked a bunch of hot peppers in a variety of colors and it looks great!
Hot Pepper Jelly makes about 7 half pints

2 cups ground mixed colored sweet bell peppers (take out the seeds) maybe about 6 medium
1/2 cup ground mixed hot peppers (leave the seeds in) about 6 small
6 1/2 cups sugar (I know, it's a lot, but it is a jelly so you want it hot and sweet)
1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 package liquid pectin (Certo)

I chopped up all the peppers in a food processor - you don't want it totally pureed, but pretty finely chopped. Then in a big pot add the peppers, sugar and vinegar and bring to a boil. When boiling add the pectin and return to a boil and time it for 1 and 1/2 minutes. Pour into 1/2 pint jars and either seal in a water bath for 10 min. or pour melted paraffin over the tops (when I looked this up on the internet it said "not recommended" so no guarantees that it doesn't work - could mold, so watch them. To serve put a package of cream cheese on a plate and pour the jelly on top. Wheat Thins are the Richards' traditional cracker of choice.

2 comments:

  1. As Richard’s Grandmother’s son, I have eaten this dish all of my life and can vouch for it. It is wonderful with on a Trisket with a little Philadelphia Brand cream cheese and a glass of white wine. It taste so good it can be addicting. When my Mother died, we split up the remaining pepper jelly on a genetic basis. My 4 jars lasted a couple of years and I am hoping Rebecca sends us some of hers. I plan on making this very soon. This recipe dates back into the late 1800’s. Mother always used the hot water vacuum seal and I can remember hearing the lids “pop” as a kid.

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  2. Well actually Lindsay, I have one of hers left and it has a paraffin top...That's why I decided to do it that way this time because I never have used the wax before. I do love to hear that pop though! Glad you were able to figure out how to post a comment - knew you were up for a challenge!

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