Jalapeno Pepper Jelly

This year for our Thanksgiving Dinner we enjoyed my famous Jalapeno Pepper Jelly.  Be the talk of your family get-together by preparing this for every holiday dinner.

A few years ago while attending the Hillsboro Arts & Crafts Fair in Hillsboro, KS… I tried a jelly I never thought I would like called Jalapeno Pepper Jelly, also known as Green Pepper Jelly. Don’t get me wrong, I like jalapenos, but I don’t like them really hot and I don’t care for them often.

Jalapeno Pepper Jelly is usually served on top of a block of cream cheese and served with either crackers or tortilla chips.

When I was gifted a few weeks ago with literally bags of jalapenos… I almost was a hot mess… just kidding but I did freak out a bit! I pickled jalapenos but I did want to make some Jalapeno Pepper Jelly for Christmas dinner and Thanksgiving too.

After different trials of Jalapeno Pepper Jelly this is the one I absolutely LOVE!

Jalapeno Pepper Jelly Ingredients…

• 3 cups Green Peppers, washed, seeded and cut into chunks
• ½ cup Jalapeno Peppers, washed, seeded, ribs removed and cut into chunks
• 3 cups White Vinegar
• 6 ounces Liquid Pectin
• 3½ Tbsp Dry Pectin
• 13 cups Sugar

Jalapeno Pepper Jelly Instructions…

Place all peppers in a large food processor and process until well chopped and almost liquified. If you need to add some vinegar to help your food processor do it’s job that’s OK.

Place peppers in medium stockpot, add the rest of your vinegar and bring to a boil.

Once it boils, add sugar and return to boil. Reduce heat add in Pectins and stir well. Add desired amount of Green Food Coloring.

Now you are ready to can it!

To Can you will need…

• 1 large heavy roasting pan
• 11-½ pint jars
• 1 canning funnel
• 1 jar gripper
• 1 pair of tongs
• 11 lids
• 11 rings
• 1 ladle
• 1 large stock pot
• 1 small pot
• wire cooling racks

When canning water bath items, here is my system. I have all of my jars pre-washed and a large pan out that they all fit into.

This is the pan I use! It is made by Pampered Chef and you can order one here! I highly recommend this particular type of pan because it is durable and heavy.

On my stove I have a large stock pot full of boiling water, a very small pan of water on the stove boiling and canning utensils.

Use the jar grippers and submerge the clean jars into the boiling water and hold them there for a few seconds. I always shake mine around just in case there are air bubbles so I’m sure everything is sterilized.

The first few jars I do sterilize, I usually keep them full of boiling water and dump the boiling water into the large roasting pan. That makes it so the sterilized jars are sitting in the pan with hot water… this keeps the jars warm while processing them so they will still be warm when you place them in the large stock pot to complete them.

Once the jars are all sterilized I use the funnel and a ladle to fill the sterilized jars with my Jalapeno Pepper Jelly. Make sure to leave ½ inch of headspace in the jars for expansion.

Once the jars are filled, remove the funnel from the last jar and wipe all of the rims of the filled jars with a clean damp wash cloth or towel.

Place the lids in the small pot of boiling water and use the tongs to remove them and place on each jar.

Ensure you do not touch the seal with your fingers at any time. Once the lids are placed on the jars, tighten with the rings. Not too tight, just make sure they are closed well. They will not seal if the rings are too tight.

Once the rings are on, place the jars with the jar gripper into the large pot of boiling water. Once all the jars are in the pot, the water should be covering all of the jars by at least an inch. If your pot is too full of water, just remove some if needed. I’ve had to do that a few time and used my glass classic batter bowl and it worked very well for me. Just as long as the water is not overflowing when boiling, you should be OK.

Once the water returns to a boil, boil the jars for 10 minutes.

When done, remove the jars with the jar gripper onto a wire cooling rack. Leave the jars and do not move them until they are completely cooled. You will hear the jars seal while cooling.

When they are completely cooled, check the tops to make sure they are sealed. If the lid pushes down when you check it, it did not seal and you will need to refrigerate that jar.

Make sure when you put them “up”, remove the rings and wash and dry them… they are reusable, wipe the jars down completely and label and date the lid of the jar. Store them in a cool dry area.

The last several batches I have canned, everyone of my lids have sealed. This is how I water bath can. I have learned over the years of canning different things there are many ways to can. To learn more visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

I hope you enjoy this recipe throughout the year and come back and enjoy more recipes on my blog. Another great recipe to can is Salsa Verde.

I appreciate you, feel free to follow me on Facebook, Google +, Pinterest or Twitter.

Until next time… eat well!

Reblogged from www.AmericanKountry.com.

13 People or Groups to say Thank You to

In this month of Thanksgiving, there are a many things to be thankful for. Of all the things you are thankful for, are you thankful for people behind the scenes too? Here are some on our list... Show support in your community by extending “Thank Yous” to your local groups. A card is always appreciated but food is even better...

In no particular order...

1. Your local Firehouse. Personal experience has taught me, these men and women are on call 24/7. They are constantly ready for that tone to come over their radio and be there wherever and whenever needed. They lose sleep over you and your community.
2. Your local School Board. With everything that is going on these days with government mandates and school shootings... no doubt, your local school board is putting your children first.
3. Your local City Council. If you have never been to a city council meeting, let me assure you, they are always informative and full of every day people attempting to make your life better.
4. Your local Mayor. If you live in a small town, these people hold community service very near to their hearts. Most small town mayors are not paid, and if they do get a stipend, it is so small you would be shocked.
5. City Police. No matter a small town or a big city, our city officers see things everyday in our community and do everything in their power to keep us safe and serve their community.
6. Local EMS crews. I know from personal experience, these guys are in service mode constantly. They are always keeping up with the latest fads and medical terminology to keep you safe, ever you need it.
7. Your trash men. Would you empty your trash into the truck every week? I know many people wouldn't dare, yet these guys do it for you each week. They deserve your appreciation and a couple of times a year, they like a plate of cookies too. That's the least you can do for all the trash you give them each week, lol.
8. City workers. These guys have their eyes open all the time to keep you safe. They are always looking for those overgrown limbs that could interfere with a power line in a storm, or watching out for water coming up from the ground, indicating a water main break. No doubt they also take plenty of negativity from that angry citizen that is complaining about that pot hole in the alley that hasn't been filled in a few weeks. They take a lot of attitude and get very little appreciation.
9. County Sheriff and Sheriff Deputies. These guys pick up the slack in-between small towns, large cities and rural communities that are not under direct city limit rules and regulations. These guys in the department have to keep their eyes peeled for no-gooders that want to do you harm.
10. Military personnel and their families. As a sister of a retired Marine, I know how much stress these men of honor go through. That stress always takes a toll on their families as well. They continue on because of their own passions for freedom for this country. They fight for your freedom, remember that!
11. Landlords. This one may or may not pertain to you, but if they do, are you a good tenant? Many landlords get a bad rap for being slumlords, and unfortunately there are those out there, however we have been blessed in the past with fantastic landlords. Try to be the best tenant they've ever had, they will appreciate you in return.
12. Local volunteers. Many times, behind the scenes, there are volunteers that are spending their time to better their community. Many times, these people are never recognized. Be thankful for them... you may never know all the volunteers it takes to put a community event together. Just know they are there and fighting every day to make the community in which you live... better!
13. State Troopers. These guys pick up the slack where city and county officers cannot. Mostly on major highways, they do all they can to keep the roads you travel everyday safe.

All of these men and women deserve respect and appreciation. Please let them know how much you care. Send them a card, give them a phone call or send them a goody plate during the holidays to let them know they are appreciated. They work hard for you each and every day. Some lose sleep, and many lose time with their families to protect or serve you. Pray for them and remember them... never forget what they do for you.

I appreciate you, feel free to follow me on Facebook, Google +, Pinterest or Twitter.

Reblogged from www.AmericanKountry.com.

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Thanksgiving Traditions

For many years, we were a very traditional family in the sense that we always held Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving day... every year, without fail.

Then one day we decided we couldn't for one reason or another. It did cross our mind to just not have it that year, but we just didn't want to do that. So, in an effort to keep a tradition, we went ahead and had it on Thanksgiving Day that year. That was 10 years ago now, and many things have changed. We have moved away, moved back, lost precious family members and gained a few more.

So here is where I break with tradition a bit... Thanksgiving is not about the day... it's about the people who come together to share it. Yes, we give thanks like every other American family in the nation, but not always on Thanksgiving Day. Some times it's the Sunday before, or the Sunday after... and in a few years it may not even be in the month of November. The point is, we still get together as a family and appreciate each other.

In 10 years we have lost loved ones that we will never be able to enjoy Thanksgiving again with. Sometimes I look back and wonder, did I really enjoy their presence when they were with us?

Don't lose time today by not being Thankful for each person you have in your life. Tomorrow may never come. You can lose your home, your possession and even your family tomorrow. Make sure you enjoy today with them so you won't regret tomorrow without them. ~ Lori Klein

I would love to know what you think of my blog and I'd also love to know what your family traditions are surrounding Thanksgiving... Share them in the comments below.

I appreciate you, feel free to follow me on Facebook, Google +, Pinterest or Twitter.

Reblogged from www.AmericanKountry.com.

Epic Baby Loves Smarties

Walker is the youngest of our 7 children, and I dare say the most spoiled of them all.  That's what happens to younger ones.  It's lawI think!  We learned this Halloween that he loves his Smarties.  Troy recorded this last night and OMG I cannot stop watching it and smiling.

Happy Veteran's Day 2013

To all the special men and women in my life... I thank you from the bottom of my heart for my freedoms you faught so hard to protect.  This is dedicated to YOU!!!  Because this theme song should be YOUR theme song and not a "Super Hero's".

THANK YOU!

Timelapsed Video Of Homeless Veteran

Any Veteran of The United States Of America's Military has my heart.  We have far too many homeless veterans in our country.  These men and women of uniform faught for OUR freedom.  They should NEVER have to live on the street.  It's charities like this that have my support!


To donate, go to Degage Ministries.‎  

Mace Family Cream Cheese Corn

If there is one dish in this world our family is known for it is the Mace Family Cream Cheese Corn.  It is creamy and luscious right down to the million calories I am sure it holds.  Let me warn you, this is no diet dish.  It is full of fat and calories and I’m sure more than I ever want to know of any more bad stuff.  Just know, everything is acceptable in moderation, so don’t have it every week or even every month.  Save it for those special family occasions that don’t come often enough anymore and truly cherish family, friends and great food.  One tip:  If you want this recipe to go from awesome to fantabulous, choose a sweet bicolored frozen corn like C&S. This recipe will be awesome regardless however with this corn you won’t be able to get enough!

1 (2 lbs) bag of frozen corn

1 (8 oz) block of Philadelphia Cream Cheese

1 stick of salted butter

1/8-1/4 tsp Garlic Powder, or more if desired

Salt & Pepper to taste

Cook Corn according to package directions; drain.

Place cooked corn back into the saucepan you cooked it in and add the butter and cream cheese and warm slowly as not to burn the corn to the bottom of the pan.  Once melted completely, add desired amount of salt & pepper and garlic powder.  Stir well and serve HOT!  It is important to note you should not used garlic salt in place of garlic powder and salt.  It does not have the correct ratio of powder to salt and does alter the flavor a bit. 

I haven’t found anyone yet who doesn’t love this recipe!!!  Good Eats!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

For quite a few years now, I have been making my own laundry detergent.  The obvious, number one, reason was to save money.  With no less than 4 boys at home, I was going through bottles and bottles of soap only to build up gunk on the inside of my washing machine and the clothes wouldn't get clean and to top it all off they faded terribly after only a few washes.
With money savings being my ultimate goal, I set out on a journey to find homemade laundry soap.  At that time there was no such thing as Pinterest... research was all on my own.  I came across ONE recipe.  I had searched for days and days and came up with one recipe.  I thought, "Great!  If it is this hard to find a recipe to make homemade laundry soap, I am sure it will be even harder to find the ingredients!"  But to my wonderful surprise I found all three ingredients "together" in the laundry isle of the grocery store.  I just figured it was due to living in a highly populated Mennonite community and thought if we ever moved back to Missouri I would just be out of luck!
Once home with the ingredients to make my first batch of laundry soap, I was set!  I grated my soap bar and added it to water on the stove with the other two ingredients and set it to boil, thinking this is so easy.  My ADHD personality left the room for who knows what and I heard the pot boiling over.  What a mess!  I removed the pan from the burner, cleaned up the mess around the burner and placed the pan back on the burner to melt the ingredients.  Once I carefully watched the pot until it began to boil, I lowered the heat, stirring occasionally, until almost everything was dissolved.  I then followed the rest of the instructions to the letter and the detergent was finally made.  After letting it sit over night and stirring occasionally,  I set out to do my first load of laundry.  I was amazed.  It not only was easy to make (without the mess of course), it got the dirty jeans clean!  Woohoo!  I felt like a super mom!  Over time I have adapted the original recipe and the order of processes to my own needs and usability!  My recipe is as follows...

1.5 bars of Fels Naptha soap
1/2 c. Borax
1 c. Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

1. Grate the Fels Naptha soap with a cheese grater.  If I make a double batch I usually use the electric shredder.  Don't use a cheap one, it will most-likely break.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 c. water with the shredded soap and slowly bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.  This is the part where it can become a mess if you do not watch the stove top.  Once boiling, turn down to a simmer and cook until soap is completely dissolved.  Don't forget to stir, otherwise it can burn to the bottom of the pan.  
3. Add Borax and Arm & Hammer Washing Soda to the pan, stirring until dissolved.
4. Fill a five gallon bucket half-full with the hottest water your faucet will put out.  Stir in soap mixture well, then continue to fill the bucket up with hot water until it reaches inches of the rim.  Stir well.  Cover and let mixture sit, stirring every couple of hours.  This mixture will thicken overnight.
5. In the morning you can do one of two things; either put the bucket in your laundry room and use it out of there OR fill a laundry soap container half full of soap and the rest with hot water, mixing well before use.  If you use the diluted version, use 1 laundry soap lid full to an extra large load.  If using the undiluted version, only use 1/2 as much.  I personally use it straight out of the bucket.

This recipe makes 10 gallons of soap for under $2.00 per recipe.