Jalapeno Spiked Cherry Preserves

Sweet meets heat in these irresistible Jalapeño Spiked Cherry Preserves, a bold twist on classic fruit preserves that's perfect for adventurous palates. This recipe combines the natural juiciness of fresh, ruby-red cherries with a subtle kick from finely minced jalapeños, creating a vibrant spread with a sweet, tangy, and spicy profile. A splash of lemon juice and the addition of liquid pectin ensure a perfectly thickened texture while enhancing the flavor complexity. These preserves are ideal for pairing with cheeses on a charcuterie board, spreading over buttered toast, or glazing grilled meats for an elevated touch. Easy to prepare and perfect for canning, this unique recipe is a standout addition to your pantry or a thoughtful homemade gift.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh cherries (pitted and halved)
• 2.5 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 jalapenos (seeded and finely minced)
• 1 packet (1.75 oz) liquid pectin
• 0.5 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Wash and pit the cherries. Cut them into halves and set aside.

Step 2

In a large saucepan, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, minced jalapenos, lemon juice, and water. Stir well to coat the cherries evenly.

Step 3

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the mixture for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries begin to break down and the liquid thickens slightly.

Step 5

Increase the heat back to medium and add the packet of liquid pectin. Stir well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully skim off any foam that has formed on the surface using a spoon.

Step 7

Ladle the hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a proper seal.

Step 8

Seal the jars with sterilized lids and bands. Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes if planning to store long-term, or allow to cool completely if storing in the refrigerator for immediate use.

Step 9

Let the jars cool undisturbed at room temperature. Once sealed, store in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Refrigerate after opening.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1204.6 grams (1204.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2299

Total Fat 1.30g	2%
Saturated Fat 0.30g	2%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 600.40g	218%
Dietary Fiber 14.20g	51%
Total Sugars 578.40g
Protein 6.90g	14%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 83mg	6%
Iron 2mg	13%
Potassium 1436mg	31%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 0.5%

Protein: 1.1%

Carbs: 98.4%