Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Processing Time (Water Bath Canner): 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Yield: Approx. 6 half-pint (8 oz) jars
Difficulty: Medium
Stovetop Intensity: Medium-High Heat
Ingredients
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Hot Peppers: 1.5 lbs (approx. 8–10 cups sliced), banana peppers, hot wax peppers, or jalapeños (seeded or with seeds depending on desired heat level)
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Yellow Mustard: 1 container (16 oz / 450g) prepared yellow mustard
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Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 cups (5% acidity)
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Granulated Sugar: 3 cups
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All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (or clear jel for canning thickness)
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Water: 1/2 cup (to slurry the flour)
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Canning Salt: 1 tbsp
Cooking & Preparation Process
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
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Wash all hot peppers thoroughly under cool running water.
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Wearing protective food-safe gloves, stem, seed, and roughly chop the hot peppers. For a smoother texture, run the chopped peppers through a food processor until finely minced.
Step 2: Cook the Mustard Base
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In a large stainless steel stockpot, combine the minced hot peppers, prepared yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and canning salt.
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Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar completely.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften and infuse their heat into the mustard.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
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In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 1/2 cup of cool water until a smooth slurry forms with no lumps.
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Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering mustard mixture, whisking constantly to prevent clumping.
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Keep the heat on medium and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring continuously until the mustard thickens to a glossy, rich condiment consistency. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Water Bath Canning
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Ladle the hot pepper mustard into warm, sterilized half-pint canning jars, leaving 1/2-inch of headspace at the top.
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Run a bubble remover tool along the inside edges of each jar to release trapped air bubbles.
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Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp towel, place the lids on top, and screw the bands on until fingertip tight.
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Place the filled jars into a boiling water bath canner, ensuring they are covered by at least 1 inch of water.
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Process at a full rolling boil for 15 minutes (adjust time for higher altitudes).
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Carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel-lined countertop to cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours until all lids click sealed.
Storage & Shelf Life
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Pantry Storage: Properly processed and sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 1 to 2 years.
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After Opening: Store opened jars in the refrigerator and use within 2 to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
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Sandwich & Burger Spread: Slather over soft pretzels, brats, sausages, pulled pork, or deli sandwiches for an instant punch of tang and heat.
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Glaze or Dip: Use as a sweet and spicy dipping sauce for chicken tenders, pork chops, or soft pretzels.
Nutritional Facts
Per Serving (1 tbsp / approx. 15g)
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Calories: 25 kcal
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Total Fat: 0.2 g
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Saturated Fat: 0 g
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Sodium: 95 mg
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Total Carbohydrates: 6 g
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Dietary Fiber: 0.3 g
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Sugars: 5 g
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Protein: 0.4 g