Hot Pepper-Apple Preserves Recipe ๐ถ๏ธ๐
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Makes 6 half pints
Description:
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and spicy with this tantalizing Hot Pepper-Apple Preserves recipe. Ideal for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or as a condiment to elevate your favorite dishes, this preserve is a delightful addition to any pantry.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 8 tart apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 15 hot peppers, thinly sliced or chopped
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 802.5
- Fat: 0.7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 4.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 207.7g
- Fiber: 7.8g
- Sugars: 197.1g
- Protein: 1.2g
Instructions:
-
Prepare Ingredients:
- Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients: sugar, water, tart apples, and hot peppers.
- Peel, core, and dice the tart apples, ensuring you have approximately 8 cups of diced apples.
- Thinly slice or chop the hot peppers according to your preference.
-
Cook Sugar Mixture:
- In a heavy 5-quart pot, pour the sugar and stir in the water until well blended.
- Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often to dissolve the sugar completely.
-
Cook Apples and Peppers:
- Once the sugar mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the diced apples and sliced/chopped hot peppers to the sugar-water mixture.
- Allow the mixture to cook uncovered, boiling gently over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
Simmer Until Thickened:
- Cook the preserve for 35 to 40 minutes, or until it thickens and the apples become translucent. The mixture should have a glossy appearance.
-
Prepare Canning Jars:
- While the preserve is cooking, prepare 6 half-pint canning jars by washing them thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and dry.
-
Fill and Seal Jars:
- Once the preserve reaches the desired consistency, fill each prepared jar to within 1/8-inch of the rim.
- Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
- Place the lids on the jars and screw on the rings until they are comfortably tight.
-
Check Seals:
- Allow the jars to cool on a towel, away from any drafts.
- Once cooled, press down on the center of each lid with your finger. If the lid stays down, it is properly sealed.
- Label each jar with the contents and date before storing.
-
Storage:
- Store the sealed jars of Hot Pepper-Apple Preserves in a cool, dark area to maintain quality.
- If any jars did not seal properly, store them in the refrigerator and consume within a reasonable time frame.
Serving Suggestions:
Spread this delightful Hot Pepper-Apple Preserves on toast, crackers, or use it as a glaze for meats. It also pairs wonderfully with cheese boards and charcuterie platters. Get creative and incorporate it into your favorite recipes for an added kick of flavor!
Enjoy the sweet heat of this homemade preserve and share the love with friends and family. Happy cooking! ๐ถ๏ธ๐
