Thursday, October 27, 2011

Canning the flavor of Harry and David's - Pepper and Onion Relish

I still remember the first time I tried the amazing taste in the jar of Harry and David's Hot Pepper and Onion Relish. The sweet/hot tomato and pepper goodness was really addictive and became an instant favorite of mine. Since that first time the jars that I have had are far and few between, but in the last year I never lost the idea of possibly finding that flavor again in a recipe that I could "put up" myself.

I put out a note to my FB "peeps" and Sheryl came back to me with a possible copycat for the flavor. This is a pressure canning recipe because of the amount of onions and peppers that were required. Its a great one pot recipe, but there is quite a lot of prep for the veggies and tomatoes. In the end the flavor is as close as ever I have tasted and I now have 7 pints stashed in my pantry to enjoy. Here is the recipe.



Sweet and Hot Pepper Onion Relish
Sweet and Hot Pepper and Onion Relish
6 Cups tomatoes, skinned, diced and really well drained
6 Large red peppers, diced (I used multiple colors from garden)
6 Cups sugar
2 Tbsp salt
6 oz pectin (2 liquid packs 3oz each)
3 cups white vinegar
2 tsp ground cayenne pepper
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
3 Large onions, diced

Directions
Mix all ingredients together, except pectin and bring to a boil. Turn down and simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until thickened. It should mound on your spoon. Whisk in the 2 boxes of pectin and boil for 1 minute. Pour into sterile jars filling to 1/2" headspace. Remove air bubbles and re-fill if necessary. Wipe rims, add hot lids/rings and process in pressure canner at 11 pounds  for 15 minutes for pints in a dial gauge or 10 pounds for 15 minutes for weighted gauge.

5 comments:

Grace said...

I really miss the Harry and David's store that used to be in my favorite shopping center here. What a great place to buy gifts, especially for foodie friends.

I can't wait to try this canning project. Thanks for the recipe.

SLColman said...

I canned some Harry & David's Pepper & Onion Relish Knock Off this week too! http://www.dairyfreediva.com/2011/10/canning-harry-davids-style-pepper-and.html

Canning Homemade! said...

SL Colman - She used the same recipe but decreased the amount of acid she used and then water bath it. I wish that she would have asked me because I would have advised her to increase the acid to 3 cups of vinegar and decreased some of the onions and peppers in order to safely water bath. Make sure you eat it in the next six months and take off the rings so if there is a problem the lids will be able to come off.

SLColman said...

I changed the recipe to increase the vinegar and decrease the jalapenos. I should have asked you!! I always have before doing a project but for some reason didn't this time :(

G. said...

I was not aware of your site until after I purchased everything from Stephanie's site (Dairy Free Diva). I would rather use your receipe but I purchaced the 1.75 package of Pectin I live in a small mining town and have to travel 50 miles to the nearest grocery store, will it work or should I find the liquid or jel? I have made a call and one carries the liquid and jel does it matter? I'm doing this today. Your help would greatly be appreciated. I have never canned before, but my son loves H&D Onion Pepper relish and thought I would give it my best shot, I have a 8qt Presto Pride Pressure Cookier and Canner (luckily) I had planned to make the relish today. Again any help would be appreciated! G.