Add a bold twist to your pantry staples with Hot Pepper Apple Preserves, a unique fusion of sweet and spicy flavors that's perfect for adventurous foodies. This small-batch recipe combines tender, finely diced apples with the vibrant heat of fresh red and green chili peppers, all simmered to perfection with apple cider vinegar and a touch of lemon juice for tangy depth. Thickened with powdered pectin, these preserves achieve a luscious, jam-like consistency, ideal for spreading over warm toast, pairing with creamy cheese, or glazing roasted meats for a festive flair. With just 20 minutes of prep time and easy canning instructions, this recipe ensures your homemade preserves are ready to shine as a flavorful condiment or a thoughtful gift.
Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and finely dicing them. You should have approximately 4 cups of prepared apple pieces.
In a large pot, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve.
Add the minced red and green chili peppers to the pot, stirring to combine with the apple mixture.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the lemon juice, powdered pectin, and salt to the pot. Stir well to ensure the pectin is evenly distributed.
Continue to boil the mixture, stirring frequently, for 20-30 minutes or until the preserves thicken and reach a jam-like consistency. You can test by placing a small amount on a chilled plate; it should hold its shape when cooled.
Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
Carefully ladle the hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean and seal with lids.
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation, or store the jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Allow the jars to cool completely before storing. Serve on toast, with cheese, or as a glaze for roasted meats.
Calories |
2814 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.5 g | 3% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 632 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 732.9 g | 267% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.0 g | 96% | |
| Total Sugars | 690.8 g | ||
| Protein | 5.9 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 94 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 1938 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.