Sweet, slightly spicy, and bursting with the vibrant color of fresh prickly pears, this homemade pepper jelly is delicious served over cream cheese with crackers, brushed over grilled meats, or added to a charcuterie board.
Wash and prepare the peppers. Remove the stems. Remove the seeds and white ribs from the jalapeños for a milder jelly, or leave some in for extra heat.
Add the jalapeños, red bell pepper, and apple cider vinegar to a blender. Blend until mostly smooth.
Pour the pepper mixture into a large saucepan with the strained prickly pear juice.
Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the pepper flavors to infuse the juice.
Stir in the sugar and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring frequently. The mixture should continue boiling even while stirring.
Add the liquid Certo and stir constantly until the mixture returns to a full rolling boil.
Boil hard for exactly 1 minute.
Remove from the heat and skim off any foam if desired.
Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Wipe the rims, apply lids and bands, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if needed).
Allow jars to cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours before checking the set.
Notes
Apple cider vinegar gives this jelly a slightly sweeter, fruitier flavor than white vinegar.
Adjust the heat by leaving more or fewer jalapeño seeds and membranes.
Jelly may take up to 24 hours to fully set.
Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening.
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