Dad's Pepper Jelly

Gentle Friends, finally got computer issues under control and can Post once again.  I finally got the Pepper Jelly were I want it and so feel quite confident about the recipe - not that its hard to make, but I wanted to be sure....

Here are the jars of jelly I made - I'll probably got back and make some mare, can one ever have enough jelly to snack on or gift away when we winter rolls around and fresh peppers are out of season??

.. this actually represents two batches, I wouldn't try to double the jell making as that often doesn't work.  Here's the recipe I followed - it's a modified recipe of my dads and there are lots on the Internet that all are about the same.....

Pepper Jelly

6 C White Sugar

12/13 good sized Jalapenos

4 Green Bell Peppers, 1 Red Bell Pepper

2 C Apple Cider Vinegar

2  4oz Packs Liquid Pectin 

10 to 12 drops Green Food Colour

Remove all the seeds and membranes from the peppers and finely chop.  Into a saucepan that will hold everything - pout the sugar, vinegar and all the peppers.  You can adjust the peppers to your taste, I like it on the hot side so I use more peppers but you can cut them back to 8 or 9 for a less intense jelly.  Cook over medium heat until it comes to a boil - let boil a good 10 minutes, stirring to keep it under control and not bubbling over.  Take off the heat and add the pectin - stir in and return to heat and bring back to a boil - for at least a minute.  Take off the heat and test to see if it is as thick as you like - I do this buy having a spoon in ice cold water handy  and dipping this cold spoon into the jelly and seeing where it is for thickness.  If it's where you want it - take it off the heat and stir in the colour - this is just to get it green since the real jelly is a sort of amberish colour and not very pretty - it doesn't change the way it tastes.  Now put into your prepared jars and process them in a water bath for about 10 minutes or so et voila homemade pepper jelly that doesn't cost $6 for a tiny jar!  Properly processed this jelly will keep for 7 or so months in a cool dark place.

This was the first time out for me making Pepper jelly and it was way easier than the peach or cherry jams I've made in the past - and the memories flood over me as I stand over the hot stove stirring the jelly of my dad and his annual Jelly making season.  I think I told you before he made dozens and dozens of jars of this jelly every year and it was his "thing" to give at Christmas, as were Mississippi Mud Cakes my mom made a gave away every year. 

For dinner the other day we had some biscuits and I popped a jar of jelly.....

... it was pretty terrific if I do say so myself!!

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That's about it for today sports fans, thanks for stopping by, do stop again!!

Take care,

edgar