Chilli Jam

Last October I made a batch of Apple, Tomato and Chilli chutney, which I didn't open until December... WELL! what a disappointment, it was bland, tasteless, and not at all chutney like in texture, so a thumbs down for the recipe I followed. :( {I gave a few jars away as well, its no wonder nobody had commented, probably being polite!}

So I got rid of the aforementioned  remaining jars of chutney this morning, and washed out my jars ready for something a bit more special.

Over the Xmas period I watched a lot of Nigellas Christmas specials, and she made Chilli Jelly/Jam or chelly as some call it, and it looked so easy to make, can be done in 20mins, and couldn't wait to make it.

Like the shop bought stuff, it's very versatile, can be used in cooking to pep up a stir fry etc, as well as a jam/chutney. Also good as a dip, nice mixed into mayo and served with potato wedges.

Once cooled in jars can be eaten straight away, Hurrah, no months of waiting for it to mature! I wanted something nice to have with cheeses, and cold meats. I love hot, spicy chutneys, pickles. A fave of mine is Mr Naga (recommended by a friend) I am seriously addicted to the stuff, I will eat it with anything, if I'm dieting I stir it into cup a soups, soo good.. Maybe that why I don't catch colds...

So off I  went to market this morning and bought red peppers and red chillis and got to work, you need very few ingredients to make this, so very economical.

Only used a few of these!

Recipe here

I used one more chilli than stated in recipe, and left a few seeds in, as I like it HOT!
I also added a tsp of ginger paste in at the end when waiting for it to cool, as is personal flavour preference.

As recipe say's bring to a ROLLICKING boil  for 10 mins (LOVE that word!)

Then leave to cool for 40 mins or so until it thickens, the give a little stir, then ladle in to sterilised jars.

I got this amount, the jars are approx 230 ml each, one in the middle was bigger, so if you like that sweet chilli sauce in bottles from the supermarket, then make this! you get a fair bit more ,and it tastes so much better. And you will feel proud that you made it yourself!

* I would recommend wearing gloves when chopping the chillies, I didn't.  I have a few sore bits around my finger nails and they are still stinging 5 hours later. Be warned! *

Taste test

                                                          DELISH!!