Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this peach pepper jelly recipe! It’s a magical blend of sweet peaches and zesty peppers that creates a jar of pure joy. Seriously, every time I make this, I’m transported back to my grandma’s kitchen during peach season, with the sun streaming in and the smell of ripe fruit filling the air. This jelly is not just delicious; it’s the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, making it a fantastic gift for friends or a special treat for yourself. Imagine spreading it on warm, crusty bread or using it as a glaze for grilled meats! Trust me, once you taste this delightful concoction, you’ll want to keep a jar (or three) on hand at all times.

Ingredients List

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups peaches: Make sure they’re ripe and juicy for the best flavor; peel and chop them up.
1 cup bell peppers: I usually go for red or yellow for that lovely color and sweetness, finely chopped.
1 cup sugar: This balances the heat and enhances the fruity goodness.
1 cup apple cider vinegar: It adds that tangy kick that makes everything pop!
1 package pectin: This is key for getting that perfect jelly consistency.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adjust this to your taste; it adds just the right amount of spice!

How to Prepare Peach Pepper Jelly

Preparing the Jars

First things first, let’s get those jars ready! I always start by washing my jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Then, to sterilize them, I place them in a large pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes. This is super important to prevent any unwanted bacteria from ruining your delicious jelly. After that, just carefully remove them with tongs and let them air dry on a clean towel. Easy peasy!

Cooking the Mixture

Now, let’s move on to the fun part! In a large pot, combine those luscious peaches, finely chopped bell peppers, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together until the sugar is nicely dissolved. Then, bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. You want to keep an eye on it because, trust me, it can bubble over surprisingly fast! Let it boil for about 10 minutes. You’ll start to smell that amazing aroma wafting through your kitchen, and it’s simply irresistible!

Adding Pectin and Heat

Once your mixture is bubbling away and fragrant, it’s time to add the pectin and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle the pectin evenly over the boiling mixture and stir well to combine. This is the magic that will turn your sweet concoction into jelly! Keep it boiling for just one more minute while you stir, ensuring everything is well mixed. It’s so exciting to see it start to thicken up!

Pouring and Sealing the Jelly

Carefully pour the hot jelly into your sterilized jars, filling them to about 1/4 inch from the top. This is a good time to use a funnel if you have one—trust me, it’ll save you from a sticky mess! Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any drips, then place the lids on and screw on the bands until they’re just fingertip-tight. No need to overdo it; you want them snug but not too tight!

Processing in a Water Bath

Now, let’s seal those jars for good! Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Carefully lower your filled jars into the pot, making sure they’re covered by at least an inch of water. Process them in the boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial for preserving your jelly! Once the time’s up, use tongs to lift the jars out and place them on a clean towel to cool. You should hear that satisfying “pop” as they seal! Just be cautious, as they’ll be hot!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional information for this delightful peach pepper jelly recipe. Keep in mind these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Each serving is about 1 tablespoon, and here’s what you can expect:

Calories: 50
Sugar: 12g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g
Fiber: 0g

This jelly is a sweet treat that packs a punch, so enjoy it in moderation! Perfect for brightening up your breakfast or enhancing your favorite dishes!

Tips for Success

Choose ripe peaches: The riper the peaches, the sweeter your jelly will be! Look for those fragrant, juicy ones that are slightly soft to the touch.
Don’t skip the sterilization: Properly sterilizing your jars is essential for preventing spoilage. It may seem tedious, but it’s a must for safe canning!
Stir, stir, stir: While cooking the mixture, keep stirring frequently to avoid any sticking or burning. You want that gorgeous blend to cook evenly!
Adjust the spice: If you’re unsure about the cayenne pepper, start with less and add more to taste. You can always spice it up, but you can’t take it back!
Use a funnel: When pouring the hot jelly into jars, a funnel can save you from a sticky situation. It makes the process so much cleaner!
Check your seals: After processing, make sure the lids have sealed properly by pressing down in the center. If it pops back, it didn’t seal, and you’ll need to refrigerate that jar.
Label and date: Don’t forget to label your jars with the date and contents! This way, you’ll always know what you’ve got on hand and when you made it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen peaches for this jelly?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe. It’s a great way to enjoy that peachy goodness all year round!

How long does the jelly last?
When properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, your peach pepper jelly can last up to a year! Once opened, it’s best enjoyed within a few weeks. Just keep it in the fridge.

Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes, you can! If you prefer a less sweet jelly, feel free to reduce the sugar a bit. Just keep in mind that it may affect the texture and how well it sets, so don’t go too low!

What can I use this jelly for?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Spread it on toast, use it as a glaze for meats, or even mix it into salad dressings for a sweet and spicy kick. It’s a versatile little jar of joy!

Is this jelly safe for water bath canning?
Yes, it is! As long as you follow the sterilization and processing steps correctly, this peach pepper jelly is safe for water bath canning. Just make sure to adhere to proper canning guidelines!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet peaches and zesty peppers creates a flavor explosion that’s both delicious and memorable!
Perfect for Gifting: This jelly makes a fantastic homemade gift that friends and family will adore. It’s a thoughtful way to share a taste of summer all year round!
Versatile Usage: Whether you’re spreading it on toast, glazing meats, or adding it to dressings, this jelly elevates any dish with its sweet and spicy kick.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients, you can whip up a batch of this jelly in no time, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen!
Long Shelf Life: Properly canned, this jelly can last up to a year, giving you plenty of time to enjoy or share your tasty creation!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your homemade peach pepper jelly is super easy! Once the jars have cooled completely and have sealed properly, keep them in a cool, dark place like your pantry or a cupboard. They should last for up to a year when stored this way. Just make sure to check the seals before you stash them away—if the lid pops back when pressed, it didn’t seal, and you’ll want to refrigerate that jar instead.

When you’re ready to enjoy your jelly, there’s no need for reheating! Just scoop out a tablespoon or two right from the jar and spread it on your favorite toast or use it as a glaze. If you do need to warm it up for a recipe or to drizzle over something delicious, you can microwave it in short bursts of 10-15 seconds, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired consistency. Just be careful not to overheat it; you want to maintain that lovely flavor! Enjoy every spoonful!

Delicious Peach Pepper Jelly Recipe: A Sweet Spicy Delight

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 5-6 half-pint jars 1x
Category: Condiments
Method: Canning
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious sweet and spicy peach pepper jelly recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups peaches, peeled and chopped
1 cup bell peppers, finely chopped
1 cup sugar
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 package pectin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Prepare jars by sterilizing them.
In a large pot, combine peaches, bell peppers, sugar, and vinegar.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
Add pectin and cayenne pepper; stir well.
Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Pour jelly into sterilized jars and seal.
Process in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes.

Notes

Use ripe peaches for best flavor.
Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for spiciness.
Store in a cool, dark place.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 50
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: peach pepper jelly recipe, delicious, sweet, spicy, jar

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