Pepper Jelly Recipe

1. Add the finely chopped peppers to a large pan along with the sugar, vinegar, lime juice, and salt. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium and cook at a low boil for 10 minutes, stirring often.
2. Stir in pectin and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
3. Ladle the hot liquid into clean jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace, and screw on the lids.
4. Cool overnight in the refrigerator. The mixture will solidify into jelly.

FOR PRESERVING/JARRING

1. First, clean your jars and lids using a steamer rack in a 16-quart pot. Place the jars on the rack and fill the pot with water, enough to cover the jars. Do not let the jars touch the bottom of the pot, as the heat can cause the glass to crack.
2. Bring the water to a boil and boil the jars for 10 minutes. Remove the jars with tongs when you’re ready to use them.
3. Prepare the pepper jelly per the instructions above.
4. When the pepper jelly is ready, scoop it into the jars, leaving ¼ inch head space.
5. Clean the lids with soap and hot water, then place them onto the jars. Secure them with cleaned canning rings. Wipe the rims clean.
6. Place the filled jars back into the hot water bath, onto the steamer rack, ensuring the jars are covered with 3 inches of water.
7. Return the water to a boil and process them for 10 minutes. For higher altitudes, process them for additional time (up to an extra 10 minutes). Remove the jars with tongs and tighten the screw caps.
8. The jar lids should make a popping sound as they seal. If a lid doesn’t seal for some reason, you can reprocess it, or store the jar in the refrigerator.
9. Invert the jars to test for leaks. Flip them upright after 10 minutes and allow to cool.
10. Store the jars in a cool, dry place. They will last a year or longer this way. Once you open them, however, keep the jars in the refrigerator.