Pick firm, ripe jalapeños (green, red, orange, or yellow). The shinier and firmer, the better. Ripe peppers have more flavor without the grassy aftertaste.
Clean the Peppers
Rinse the peppers with warm water and rub them clean. Don’t forget your gloves—hot peppers can irritate your skin and eyes!
Remove Stems, Seeds, and Veins
Cut off the stems and slice the peppers in half. Scrape out the seeds and the white bits (the "veins")—this will tone down the heat.
Prepare Your Jars and Lids
Check your jars for cracks or chips. Wash them well. Place them in your water canner, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Also, simmer your lids in a saucepan with water to soften the adhesive.
Blend Your Peppers
Place the cleaned peppers into a food processor, add 1 cup of cider vinegar, and blend until smooth. No big chunks! (A blender works too.)
Cook the Mixture
Transfer the blended peppers into a stainless steel pan. Add the remaining cider vinegar and sugar. Stir, bring to a boil, and cook for 10 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
Add the Pectin
Stir in the two pouches of liquid pectin, then bring the mixture back to a boil. Stir hard for 1 minute—scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent scorching.
Check the Gel
Dip a cold spoon into the jelly, then lift it out. If the jelly drips off slowly (not runny), it’s set. If not, cook another minute and retest.
Fill Your Jars
Quickly ladle the jelly into the hot jars (using a funnel). Leave about ¼ inch of headspace at the top. Remember, jelly will expand as it cools.
Add Lids and Rings
Wipe any jelly from the jar rims with a damp paper towel. Place the lids and secure with rings—tighten until finger-tight (don’t over-tighten).
Process in the Canner
Place the jars back in the water canner, making sure they're covered with at least 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil and process for 10 minutes (adjust for elevation as needed).
Let the Jars Rest
Turn off the heat and leave the jars in the canner for 5 minutes. Remove them carefully with a jar lifter and place them on a towel. Let them rest for 24 hours.
Check the Seal
After 24 hours, press on the center of the lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed. If any jars didn’t seal, refrigerate them and use within a couple of days. Label your jars with the date!
Notes
If the jelly fails the gel test, simply cook for another minute and retest.
If you're new to canning, don’t worry if you miss a step - practice makes perfect!