Monday, December 27, 2021

Ringing in the New Year with Red Pepper Jelly



How about some red pepper jelly on cream cheese with crackers for ringing in the New Year? Use a pretty cookie cutter to shape the cream cheese.  


I received some pretty new cookie cutters for Christmas,  I thought this bell cookie cutter would be so pretty to use for forming a bell with my cream cheese.


I used some whipped cream cheese inside my cookie cutter that I first sprayed with cooking spray.  You could also use some softened block of cream cheese.  The cookie cutter slips right off.  

 

My three oldest granddaughters came over for lunch and cookie baking and decorating.  


My family came over on Christmas Eve, which is always a joyous occasion.  These are all my grandchildren, plus my son Mike, who lives here with me.  Connor, my Marine grandson is home until just after the New Year!!  A most happy miracle has happened!  Mike has gotten a fantastic job, and he's the art director for a gaming company.  I am overjoyed to say the least!



Yield: 4-5 (1/2 pint) jars
Author: Kitty, but adapted from Epicurious
Spicy Red Pepper Jelly

Spicy Red Pepper Jelly

This jelly is so pretty and is enjoyed by many. It also makes a great gift.

Ingredients

  • About 3 red bell peppers, cut into 1" pieces
  • 1 red jalapeno (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons dried hot red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons Sure-Jell less or no-sugar needed pectin (from a 1 and 3/4-ounce box)
  • 3 and 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Sterilize jars, and wash lids, and screw bands. Keep jars in hot water until ready to use.
  2. Keep lids covered by 2" water in a small saucepan, and let simmer.
  3. Pulse bell peppers (and red jalapeno, if using) with red pepper flakes until finely chopped.
  4. Whisk together pectin and 1/4 cup sugar in small bowl.
  5. Stir together pepper mixture, vinegar, butter, salt, and remaining 3 cups sugar in a 5 to 6qt. heavy pot. Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat, then continue to boil vigorously, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Gradually add pectin mixture, whisking constantly. Return jelly to a vigorous boil, stirring constantly, and boil, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes (mixture will thicken slightly). Remove from heat.
  6. Remove the jars from the hot water and drain upside down on a clean kitchen towel. Invert jars and immediately ladle the hot jelly into jars, leaving a 1/4" head space. Wipe off rims with a damp clean kitchen towel. Add the lid and screw band and firmly tighten.
  7. Process the jars accordingly, or let cool and refrigerate or freeze.

Notes:

I have a special way of processing that a friend in Ohio taught me years ago, and it always works for me. After I fill the jar, put the lid and screw band on, and tighten, I immediately turn the jar upside down on a kitchen towel. I leave the jars there for about five minutes, and then invert them right side up. The spot in the center of the lid, will make the ping sound and seal. Sometimes the spot needs a little nudge, by pressing on it, to seal. The important thing is that the jars should have concave lids. If they don't, refrigerate them. I have never not had a jar seal this way.


Thank you for your visit!  Happy Healthy 2022 to all of you!  xo




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23 comments:

  1. Kitty, Glad you're enjoying your cookie cutter and so fun to use it for a mold for your pepper jelly and cream cheese. Love seeing all your grands and you in your cute Santa apron! So glad Connor was able to be home and congrats on Mike's new job. Merry Christmas Week ♥

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  2. Looks like you had a great Christmas Kitty! Love the smaller batch of pepper jelly! Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year:@)

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  3. What a great group! Congrats to Mike on the new job!

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  4. Fantastic picture! Keeping your intentions in my prayers, Kitty. I'm so glad you had them all visit you on Christmas Eve.
    Our family destroyed one of those cream cheese/red pepper jellies on Christmas Eve. It is scrumptious.

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  5. What a gorgeous family! And Red Pepper jelly is a favorite...Thanks for the recipe Kitty!!
    Happy New year!
    hughugs
    Donna

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  6. Ooh, I love red pepper jelly and cream cheese on crackers. Never thought to use a cookie cutter to shape the cheese. May have to try that next time with one of my teapot cookie cutters.

    Glad to hear that you had a good Christmas and that Connor is home for the holidays. Congrats to Mike on the new position!

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  7. Lovely photo of you with all your grands, Kitty. My goodness, they are all growing up. Fabulous Connor was able to be home for the holidays and such good news re your son Mike. The Red Pepper jelly and cream cheese sounds like the perfect snack for New Year. Cute cookie cutter and love those plates. You always have the perfect china for every occasion. LOVE that mantlepiece♡

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  8. Ooh, that pepper jelly sounds and looks so good. I am thrilled with you and Mike both for his new job. Congratulations to Mike. Love, love, love the picture Kitty of your sweeties. What a blessing for Connor to be home for a break with his family. Happy New Year to you. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  9. I love red pepper jelly and what a nice, festive idea to make the cheese into a bell shape for the holidays! Congratulations to Mike on his new job! What a sweet family and such a blessing to have most of them living near by! I am happy for you that Connor is home too for a visit. Happy New Year, Kitty! You are blessed!

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  10. I LOVE RED PEPPER JELLY on a Ritz Cracker with cream cheese. I ate so many of these at Christmas I embarrassed myself. There was just something in them that I needed. grins.

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  11. A beautiful family portrait, a delicious looking treat!

    Hapoy New Year to you and yours, Kitty. I look forward to connecting with you in 2022!

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  12. Oh Kitty - I just adore the picture of you with your family. How wonderful! Very excited your son got a good job - I hope he will enjoy it so much. This pepper jelly makes my mouth water - I've tasted it before, and loved it, but have never made it. What a special treat to serve with cream cheese. May you and yours enjoy a safe and happy New Year. XO

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  13. I do love pepper jelly with cheese and crackers. Yum! What a lovely family you have with such gorgeous smiles. Great news about Mike's job! Happy New Year, dear Kitty.

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  14. What a beautiful group of grands, Kitty! I'm so happy to hear about Mike's new job. Congratulations to him. I love pepper jelly but haven't made it in years. Now that all the holiday cooking and baking is done I'll have some time :)

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  15. It's such a simple idea yet always one of my favorites! Thanks for this wonderful easy recipe and have a happy New Year.

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  16. Such a lovely family photograph.
    Good to read that Connor was able to be home.
    Many congratulations on Mike's new job.

    Happy New Year Wishes to you and your family, and many thanks for sharing such lovely recipes this past year.
    My good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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  17. What a great way to use your new cookie cutter, Kitty! Pepper jelly is one of my favorites and I can never find it in the stores, so this recipe is something I will definitely try. Love your pretty holly plate. Such a sweet photo of your beautiful family and it's obvious where they get their good looks :) Love your Santa apron and your granddaughter's Christmas tree dress - so cute! So special to have Connor home for Christmas and congratulations to Mike on landing the great job! Blessings to you and your family in the coming new year! xx K

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  18. Kitty, your family is all smiles. I always forget about Pepper jelly. It all looks fabulous. Wishing you a healthy happy New Year. Such great news Connor home for Christmas and Mike's new job.

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  19. I have pepper jelly in the pantry you have inspired me to make an appetizer. This little cream tree looks so festive and delicious. Sweet family photos of your family. Your Christmas sounds wonderful. I am so happy Connor was there with you for the holidays. How wonderful for Mike to have found such a wonderful job. That is such a wonderful Christmas gift. Happy New Year Kitty.........

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  20. Wonderful Family! Happy 2022. God bless you all.

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  21. The pepper jelly looks so good with the cream cheese. I loved looking at the photos and congrats on your sons new job. Wishing you a happy new year Kitty.

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  22. Hi Kitty,
    What a wonderful photo of your family and special gifts going into 2022. I love your Red Pepper Jelly recipe and will certainly be using it in the near future! We are featuring your post on Full Plate Thursday, 570 this week. Thanks so much for sharing with us and come back to see us real soon!
    Miz Helen

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  23. Kitty, I'm so late getting around to visit. I apologize. My life of late!!!
    Love seeing you with your sweet family. I know the holidays were wonderful!

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