Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game or add a surprising kick to your cheese board? Then look no further! This cranberry pepper jam recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and spicy – a delicious and easy recipe that's perfect for homemade cooking. It's a fantastic addition to your pantry, a unique gift for friends and family, or simply a delightful treat to enjoy on its own. This quick dinner idea-friendly recipe takes less than an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 jalapeño pepper, finely minced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Begin by washing and thoroughly drying your cranberries. This ensures the best texture and prevents unwanted moisture in your jam.
Cooking the Jam:
- Combine the cranberries, sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, jalapeño, cinnamon, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the jam has thickened. Stir frequently to prevent burning. You'll notice the jam thickening as it cooks; a good test is to spoon a little onto a chilled plate – if it wrinkles slightly when cooled, it's ready!
Finishing Touches:
- Remove the jam from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Carefully ladle the cranberry pepper jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal tightly with lids.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Pepper Jam:
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer a milder jam, remove the seeds from the jalapeño pepper, or use less. For a spicier kick, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Sterilize your jars: This is crucial for preserving your jam. Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water, then rinse and sterilize by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
- Use pectin (optional): For a firmer jam, you can add 1/4 cup of liquid pectin along with the other ingredients. Follow the pectin manufacturer's instructions.
- Make it ahead: This cranberry pepper jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in a cool, dark pantry for up to 6 months.
Variations:
- Orange zest: Add the zest of one orange for a brighter citrusy flavor.
- Ginger: A teaspoon of grated fresh ginger adds a lovely warmth.
- Different peppers: Experiment with other peppers like serrano or poblano for varying levels of heat and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
- Sugar: Approximately 20-25g
This easy and healthy meal addition is a delightful and versatile condiment. Serve it with cream cheese and crackers, use it as a glaze for roasted chicken or pork, or add a spoonful to your yogurt for a flavor boost. Enjoy this delicious and unique homemade cranberry pepper jam – one of the best recipes for adding a little zest to your life!