WorkingHomeKeeper, hold on to your jars. That’s “Ball’s” preserves book you suggested is relaunching, and I got me one!!
Here’s a recipe that I’m planning to try, but I’m definitely going to have to substitute all that sugar with some xylitol.
Habanero Gold (page 131)
“This recipe makes a fiery golden, translucent jelly with colorful suspended fruit and vegetables. Serve it with cheese or melt it onto grilled or sautéed dishes to add sparkling flavor highlights.”
Makes about three 8-ounce (250 mL) jars
1⁄3 cup finely sliced dried apricots 75 mL
3⁄4 cup white vinegar 175 mL
1⁄4 cup finely chopped red onion 50 mL
1⁄4 cup finely chopped seeded red bell pepper 50 mL
1⁄4 cup finely chopped seeded habanero peppers 50 mL
(see tips)
3 cups granulated sugar 750 mL
1 pouch (3 oz/85 mL) liquid pectin 1
1. In a large, deep stainless steel saucepan, combine apricots and vinegar. Cover and let stand at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare canner, jars and lids.
3. Add red onion, red pepper and habanero peppers to apricots. Stir in sugar. Over high heat, stirring constantly, bring to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Stir in pectin. Boil hard, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Remove from heat and quickly skim off foam.
4. Quickly pour hot jelly into hot jars, leaving 1⁄4 inch (0.5 cm) headspace. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip-tight.
5. Place jars in canner, ensuring they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil and process for 10 minutes. Remove jars, cool and store.
Tips
For the most attractive jelly, cut fruit and vegetables into 1⁄8-inch (0.25 cm) slices, then cut the slices into 1⁄4-inch (0.5 cm) pieces.
To make a tamer yet still tasty version of this beautiful apricot-red pepper suspension, substitute a mixture of jalapeño and Scotch bonnet peppers for the habanero peppers. To add a touch more heat in either version, include the hot pepper seeds.
When cutting or seeding hot peppers, wear rubber gloves to keep your hands from being burned.