Strawberry Ja-lap-eno Jelly

My bi-weekly CSA boxes of local, organic yummies are encouraging me to look up fun recipes I would otherwise never make.  Parmesan Chard?  (Yum)... Cucumber soup? (too many onions... yuck)... Jalapenos?  What the heck am I going to do with a dozen of those?!

Strawberry Jelly. 

No. 

Strawberry Ja-lap-eno Jelly!

Or Jam

(is there a difference?)

It was my first time 'canning' and after a trip to la casa de mis padres, I stole borrowed my mom's canning supplies and went to town.  

 fabric via my fabric stash

jars via OSH

labels via http://www.bottleyourbrand.com/

It was surprisingly easy 

and 

Oh so Sweet... I mean Spicey... I mean Sweet... I mean...?

Recipe

4 cups crushed strawberries

1 cup minced jalapeno peppers

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 (2 ounce) package powdered fruit pectin

7 cups white sugar

8 half pint canning jars with lids and rings


Directions

1.Place the crushed strawberries, minced jalapeno pepper, lemon juice, and pectin into a large saucepan, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once simmering, stir in the sugar until dissolved, return to a boil, and cook for 1 minute.


2.Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the jam into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.


3.Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.


4.Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart. Allow to cool overnight Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.