Summer is Hot Pepper Jelly making season, and there’s a jackpot of hot peppers in the farmers markets and grocery stores right now ~ maybe your garden is exploding with them! Cook up some of these sweet and spicy hot pepper jellies to enjoy now, and stash some away for fall and holiday entertaining.

Step 1

Prepare 6 small mason jars with lids. If canning the jelly, follow your favorite process/directions and sterilize the jars and lids.

Step 2

Remove the stems and ribs from the bell peppers and discard. Finely chop the peppers and add them to a deep, medium saucepan. Cut the cherry peppers in half and remove most of the seeds. Chop into a fine dice and add to the pan with the bell peppers. (Take care when cleaning and chopping hot peppers. Wear gloves and/or be sure to wash your hands very well in warm soapy water, a couple of times. Do not touch your eyes!)

Step 3

Add the vinegar and water to the saucepan.

Step 4

Place 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar in a small bowl. Remove 2 tablespoons sugar from the bowl and combine with the fruit pectin in a separate small cup. Pour the sugar/pectin mixture over the peppers and stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that does not stop boiling when stirred on high heat; stir constantly. Add the remaining sugar and return to a full boil and boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Be careful it does not boil over.

Step 6

Remove from the heat. Skim off any foam with a metal spoon and discard.

Step 7

Immediately ladle the jelly into the prepared jars and fill to within 1/4 inch of the top. Wipe the rims of the jars and add the lids. Process in a hot water bath if canning. Jelly will keep for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.