Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly: A Sweet and Spicy Delight

Indulge your taste buds with a unique blend of sweet pineapple and spicy cowboy candy in this homemade pepper jelly recipe. Perfect for spreading on crackers, glazing meats, or adding a zing to your favorite dishes, this jelly is sure to become a pantry staple.

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh pineapple, trimmed and cubed
• 1 small 4-oz jar Cowboy Candy
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons butter (to reduce foaming)
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 package Sure-Jel fruit pectin
• 6 cups sugar

Method:

1. Begin by pulsing the cubed pineapple in a food processor until finely chopped, ensuring it’s not pureed.
2. Transfer the chopped pineapple to a large stockpot, aiming for around 4 cups of chopped pineapple.
3. Into the stockpot, add Cowboy Candy, lemon juice, butter, crushed red pepper flakes, and Sure-Jel fruit pectin.
4. Over high heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
5. Once boiling, add the sugar all at once, stir well, and bring it back to a rolling boil. Boil vigorously for 1 minute.
6. Remove the pot from heat and carefully ladle the jelly into prepared mason jars.
7. Seal the jars with rings and lids, then process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
8. After the boiling water bath, let the jars cool on the kitchen countertop for 24 hours. Sealed jars will have a fully depressed button in the middle of the lid.
9. While the jelly cools, gently shake the jars periodically to evenly distribute the pineapple and pepper pieces.
10. Store the sealed jars on the pantry shelf for up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate any remaining jelly.

Tips and Variations:

• Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or cowboy candy used.
• For a smoother jelly, strain out the pineapple and pepper pieces before bottling.
• Experiment with different fruits, such as mango or peach, for unique flavor combinations.
• Serve this jelly alongside cheese and crackers for a delightful appetizer, or use it as a glaze for grilled meats.

How to Store:

Store the sealed jars of pineapple-cowboy candy pepper jelly in a cool, dark place such as a pantry shelf. Properly sealed jars can be stored for up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate any remaining jelly to preserve its freshness.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
A: While fresh pineapple is recommended for optimal flavor, canned pineapple can be used as a substitute if fresh is not available.

Q: Can I omit the butter in this recipe?
A: The butter is added to reduce foaming during the boiling process, but it can be omitted if desired without significantly affecting the final product.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, you can double or even triple the recipe as long as you have a large enough stockpot to accommodate the increased volume. Be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.