Imagine starting your day with a slice of toast topped with a tangy and sweet strawberry jalapeño jam. The combination of ripe strawberries, spicy jalapeños, and a hint of natural sweetness from the fruit creates a unique flavor profile that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. You can adjust the level of heat to suit your personal preference, making it a versatile condiment for various applications. This flavorful spread is an excellent addition to a charcuterie board or paired with artisanal cheeses, but perhaps not the best choice for little ones’ lunchboxes. Nonetheless, this strawberry jalapeño jam has plenty of other uses, and its bold flavors make it an ideal accompaniment to crackers, crostini, or even as a topping for grilled meats or vegetables.
How to Make Spicy Strawberry Jam
To initiate this jalapeño and fruit jelly recipe, start by heating a pan over a moderate flame. Next, remove the stems from the strawberries and mash them thoroughly. In a separate step, remove the stems from the jalapeños and blend or pulse them in a food processor to create a uniform consistency. Melt butter in the hot pan before adding the pulsed jalapeños, sugar, red pepper flakes, and cooking for 4 minutes. Once this mixture has reached a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes. After this time has elapsed, let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before dividing it evenly among jars and refrigerating it overnight.
How to Serve Jalapeño Hot Strawberry Jam
Consider elevating your snack game by presenting the strawberry jalapeño jam in a charcuterie board-style arrangement. Accompany it with crackers or baguette slices, accompanied by fresh strawberries and goat cheese for a delightful harmony of sweet and tangy flavors. This beautiful spread can be served on its own or paired with other delicious accompaniments, such as pear chutney. Alternatively, you could use the jam to add a burst of flavor to your morning pancakes, topped with a pat of butter. The possibilities are endless! When sharing this delightful jelly with friends and family, be sure to warn them that it has a spicy kick. And, if you’re feeling generous, consider gifting it – just be aware that it may cause some recipients to reach for their favorite beverages to cool down the heat!
Jalapeño and Fruit Jelly FAQs
When it comes to strawberry jalapeño jam, one common question is how long does it last when made ahead of time? The answer is that it should keep for up to three weeks in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer. Freezing doesn’t seem to affect the jam’s texture or flavor, making it a great option for preserving your homemade spread. To get the most out of your jam, consider storing it upside down in the refrigerator, which helps prevent air from entering the jar and can extend its shelf life. Some people prefer to keep their jams at room temperature, but this is only recommended if you have a cool pantry that maintains a consistent temperature. During warmer summer months, refrigeration is usually the better option.As for using jalapeños in strawberry pepper jam, the answer is no, you don’t have to. You can substitute them with another type of pepper or omit them altogether if you prefer. What one person considers unbearably spicy, another might find mild, so it’s really up to personal taste. Jalapeños are a good choice because they’re generally mild and won’t overpower the natural sweetness of the strawberries. If you do decide to use jalapeños and end up with a jam that’s too spicy, don’t worry – adding more sugar can help balance out the heat. This is especially useful if you plan on serving your jam at a cheese or charcuterie board, where you can offer both mild and hot options (clearly labeled, of course!) and let your guests choose their preferred level of spiciness.
Strawberry Jalapeño Jam Recipe
Easy Strawberry Jalapeño Jam
Strawberry jalapeño jam is already a winning combination, but what if we elevated the flavors even further? The sweet and spicy union of this fruit jelly without pectin is a match made in heaven. Imagine it as the star attraction on your next cheese or charcuterie board. With its perfect balance of sugary sweetness and fiery heat, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare. Simply set aside 10 minutes for prep time, then spend 20 minutes cooking it up. Before you know it, you’ll have a batch ready to serve 5 cups-worth of delighted guests.
Instructions
As the saucepan warms over medium heat, the first step is to prepare the sweet and spicy ingredients. Begin by removing the stems from a handful of strawberries and mashing them in a ziplock bag. Meanwhile, deseed the jalapeños and add them to a food processor or blender, pulsing until they’re broken down into a coarse texture. In the saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat before adding the softened jalapeños, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Let this mixture cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully incorporated and slightly caramelized. Next, add in the remaining ingredients – including the mashed strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and salt – and stir until everything is well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the saucepan with a lid. Let it cook for 15 minutes before removing it from the heat and letting it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Finally, pour the jam into jars and allow it to cool completely before refrigerating it overnight and serving it chilled, paired with crudités, sliced strawberries, and a dollop of creamy goat cheese.