Copycat Jalapeno Jelly Recipe Pioneer Woman
Copycat Jalapeno Jelly Recipe Pioneer Woman is the perfect combination of heat and sweetness. Inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s famous recipe, this homemade version lets you enjoy the unique flavors of fresh jalapenos in a vibrant, tangy jelly.
Equipment
- A large pot or saucepan
- A cutting board and knife
- A food processor or blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A ladle
- Canning jars with lids
- A jar lifter
Ingredients
- 12 fresh jalapenos chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 cups of white sugar
- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 pouch of liquid pectin
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Optional: Green food coloring
Instructions
Prep Your Peppers
- Start by washing and chopping your fresh jalapenos. Be sure to remove the seeds and stems. The more seeds you leave in, the spicier the jelly will be. After chopping, pulse them in a food processor or blender to finely chop them into a puree.
Cook the Jelly Mixture
- In a large pot, combine the jalapeno puree, sugar, and vinegar. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a boil. You’ll want to keep stirring to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add Pectin and Food Coloring
- Once your mixture is boiling, add the liquid pectin and continue stirring. This is what helps the jelly set. If you prefer, you can add a few drops of green food coloring to make it look like the classic store-bought version.
Jar It Up
- After the mixture has boiled for 5-10 minutes, pour it into sterilized canning jars, leaving a little room at the top. Make sure to wipe the rims of the jars clean before sealing.
Process Jars
- To preserve your jalapeno jelly, process the jars by placing them in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes. This ensures the jelly is sealed properly and safe to store for several months.
Cool and Store
- Once the jars are processed, let them cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place. The jelly will continue to set as it cools.
Notes
- Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder jelly, remove all the seeds from the jalapenos. For a hotter version, keep some seeds in the peppers. You can also experiment with different varieties of peppers like Serrano or Habanero for varying heat levels.
- Jelly Setting Tip: Make sure to follow the cooking time for boiling the jelly to ensure the proper texture. If you’re unsure whether the jelly will set, you can test it by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate—if it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready!
- Sterilizing Jars: It’s important to sterilize your jars before you fill them with jelly. To sterilize, simply wash the jars in hot soapy water, rinse them well, and then place them in a hot oven (around 200°F) for about 10 minutes. This ensures the jars are free from bacteria and helps with proper sealing.
- Food Coloring: While food coloring is optional, it gives the jelly that classic bright green hue that makes it visually appealing, especially for gift-giving or parties. If you prefer a more natural look, you can skip the food coloring.
- Storage: After processing the jars, let them cool completely before storing them. If you've followed the proper canning techniques, the jars should be able to stay sealed for up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store the jelly in the fridge.
- Canning Safety: When processing jars, ensure that the water level covers the jars completely to prevent spoilage. Make sure to check the seals after the jars cool by pressing on the center of the lid—if it doesn't pop back, the jar didn’t seal properly and should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks.
- Gift Idea: This homemade jalapeno jelly makes a wonderful, thoughtful gift! You can make a batch, add a decorative label, and give it away to friends and family. It's perfect for holidays or as a housewarming gift.