Sweet strawberries, tangy pickled jalapeños, and a touch of balsamic vinegar come together in a vibrant sweet-and-spicy jam with bright fruit flavor, lively pepper heat, and a deeper, more rounded finish. Finely chopped jalapeños remain visible throughout the jam, while finely ground black pepper adds gentle warmth. It is especially good spooned over cream cheese and served with crisp crackers.

Ingredients

• 32 ounces strawberry jam
• 1 cup drained pickled jalapeño slices
• 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño brine
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1. Add the drained pickled jalapeño slices to the Vitamix container.
2. Pulse 4 to 6 times, about 1 second per pulse, until the jalapeños are finely chopped into small, clearly visible pieces. Do not purée.
3. Add the strawberry jam, chopped jalapeños, pickled jalapeño brine, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and kosher salt to a medium saucepan.
4. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the jam loosens and the ingredients are evenly combined.
5. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Taste and adjust with a small additional splash of lemon juice only if the jam needs more brightness.
7. Remove from the heat and let cool for about 10 minutes.
8. Transfer to clean jars or covered containers and refrigerate until chilled.
9. Store refrigerated and use within about 2 weeks.

Cook’s Notes

• Use regular balsamic vinegar rather than balsamic glaze. The glaze is sweeter and more concentrated.
• The balsamic should deepen the strawberry flavor without becoming separately identifiable.
• Use finely ground black pepper so it disperses evenly throughout the jam and adds background warmth rather than isolated peppery bites.
• Pulse the jalapeños briefly so they remain finely chopped rather than becoming a purée.
• The jalapeño pieces should remain visible throughout the finished jam.
• Different brands of strawberry jam and pickled jalapeños vary in sweetness and acidity, so taste before adding any additional lemon juice.
• Do not overcook. Prepared jam can become overly thick once chilled.
• This is a refrigerator jam and is not intended for shelf-stable home canning.

Serving Suggestions

• Spoon over a block of cream cheese and serve with crackers.
• Serve with baked Brie or goat cheese.
• Brush over grilled or roasted pork tenderloin.
• Use as a glaze for chicken or meatballs.
• Spread on turkey, ham, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Add to burgers or sliders.
• Serve with biscuits or cornbread.
• Include on a cheese or charcuterie board.

Beverage Suggestions

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Dry rosé
• Sparkling wine
• Wheat beer
• Unsweetened iced tea with lemon