Chokecherry Jalapeno Jelly Recipes

HOW TO MAKE CHOKECHERRY JELLY (LOW-SUGAR AND HONEY VARIATIONS)

Steps:

• Step 1: *How to Make Chokecherry Juice* If you have a juicer, use it! I don't, so I use this method:
• Clean, wash, and remove stems from berries
• Place in a large pot filled with enough water to just cover the fruit
• Simmer 15-30 minutes until fruit softens
• Use a potato masher to mash the juice out
• Strain through a cheesecloth-lined colander or jelly strainer
• Save the juice and discard pulp/pits
• Step 2: Mix chokecherry juice, lemon juice, and 4 teaspoons calcium water in a pot
• Thoroughly mix sugar or honey in separate bowl with 4 teaspoons pectin & set aside
• Step 3: Bring juice mixture to a boil
• Add pectin/sugar mixture, mix until completely incorporated, then return to a boil
• Remove from heat, get ready to place it in your sterilized canning jars
• Step 4: Fill the jars, leaving 1/4″ headspace
• Boil in a hot-water bath canner 10 minutes (add an extra minute for every 1,000 feet you are above sea level)

CHOKECHERRY JELLY

Steps:

• Wash fruit and cover with water; simmer 15 minutes.
• Strain juice.
• Measure juice into 6- to 8-quart kettle.
• Add pectin and stir.
• Bring to boil; add sugar, stir, and bring to a rolling boil.
• Boil exactly 2 minutes.
• Skim and pour into jars.
• Wipe rims and adjust lids.
• Process in boiling water bath for five minutes; remove to a protected countertop and let cool completely undisturbed.

JALAPENO JELLY

Steps:

• Combine the green bell pepper and 12 jalapeno peppers in the container of a food processor or blender. Process until finely chopped. This can be done in batches, if the peppers do not fit.
• Transfer the peppers to a large saucepan, and stir in the cider vinegar. Bring to a boil, and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the mixture through at least 2 layers of cheesecloth, and discard pulp. You should have about 1 cup of liquid.
• Return the liquid to the saucepan, and stir in the salt and sugar until dissolved. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. When the mixture comes to a rolling boil (one that cannot be stirred down), boil for one minute, then stir in the liquid pectin.
• Stir in the remaining jalapeno peppers, and ladle into sterile jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Seal jars in a hot water bath. Refrigerate jelly after seal is broken.

CHOKECHERRY JAM

Steps:

• Bring boiling-water canner, half full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling.
• Crush chokecherries thoroughly, one layer at a time. Place chokecherries and water in medium saucepan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 20 minutes or until tender. Press through a sieve. Measure exactly 3 1/2 cups pulp into 6 or 8 qt saucepot. Stir in lemon juice.
• Stir pectin into prepared pulp in saucepot. Add butter to reduce foaming, if desired. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon.
• Ladle immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8" of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with 2 piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. (Water must cover jars by 1-2". Add boiling water, if necessary.) Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 10 minutes. Remove jars and place upright on towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.).