Preserves are a fantastic gift that works for almost any occasion: housewarming, showers, Christmas and teacher appreciation are some that come to mind.  As it’s consumable, I thought it’d be the perfect gift for the bridal shower for the girl who’s got it all (plus she’s a fan of that hot pepper jelly – scroll to the bottom of the post for a recipe).  I picked some of the more unusual preserves from my stock, and used these gorgeous free labels from Limeshot Design to “pretty them up.”  Isn’t it cute?

Total cost: nothing out of pocket.  (And yes, it was a hit!)

Monkey Butter, my new favourite, is a low-cost recipe for unique preserves you can make any time of the year (one batch makes 6 pint jars).

Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe

• 5 cups sugar
• 2 medium apples, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups cider vinegar
• 3/4 cup chopped red pepper
• 1/4 cup water
• 4-6 hot peppers, seeded (for milder flavour) & chopped
• 6-8 drops red food coloring
• 2 pouches (3 oz each) liquid pectin

Bring sugar, apples, peppers & water to a boil.  Reduce heat.  Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.  Strain mixture.  Stir in food coloring.  Return to a rolling boil.  Stir in pectin.  Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat.  Skim off foam.  Pour into sterilized jars.  Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.