Hot pepper jelly adds heat to your favorite recipes.
Hot pepper jelly goes above and beyond traditional sweet jellies; made with a variety of peppers (and sometimes fruit), almost everyone can find a variety of pepper jelly to suit their tastes. Whether your jar is not for the faint of heart (ghost chili or habenero) or just subtly spicy (poblano or jalapeño), many dishes can be made with hot pepper jelly.
Appetizers
Spicy food is known to whet the appetite; for a classy appetizer, cut the rind off the top of a wheel of brie. Spoon hot pepper jelly onto the cheese and bake for 15 minutes in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven. Serve with crackers, pita chips and toast points. For a savory appetizer perfect for the big game, prepare chicken wings to your preference; baked, grilled and fried all work well. In a large bowl, add 1 tbsp. of hot pepper jelly per wing being served (don't overcrowd the bowl; if serving a large crowd, do this step in batches). When the wings are thoroughly cooked, quickly add the wings to the bowl and toss to combine. The wings must be hot to melt the jelly; if preparing in batches, microwave the jelly until liquid for subsequent batches. Instead of setting out simple chips and dip for your guests, mix a couple of spoonfuls of hot pepper jelly with cream cheese. Add grated cheddar and diced jalapeño peppers for a spicy, one-dish jalapeño popper dip.
Entrees
Turn ordinary meals into something extraordinary by adding a hot pepper glaze to grilled meats. Mix hot pepper jelly with herbs, spices, fruit juices and vinegars to create a personalized glaze that works especially well with ham, wild game and steak-like seafood. Due to the high sugar content of jelly, this glaze should only be added to the meat during the last 10 minutes of cooking. To add a sweet, smoky heat, try topping a burger with hot pepper jelly, caramelized onions and smoked gouda cheese. Spread a little hot pepper jelly onto turkey sandwiches in lieu of mayonnaise. Whether you prefer to make your own or use a prepared barbecue sauce, stir in hot pepper jelly to taste to add a unique flavor to your ribs and chicken.
Side Dishes
Homemade vinaigrette is easy to make and can be modified to please any person's palate. For a sweet and spicy salad dressing, microwave 1 tbsp. of hot pepper jelly just until melted. Whisk in 1 tbsp. of vinegar (balsamic works great here, but any vinegar will do). Slowly stream 2 tbsp. to 3 tbsp. of oil into the bowl, whisking the dressing constantly. Pour over leafy greens or use as a marinade for roasted vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers and broccoli. If you are serving a multicourse meal, make a refreshing granita to cleanse your guest's palates between servings. Dissolve hot pepper jelly into fruit juice and freeze, scraping with a spoon every 30 minutes. Once the mixture is completely frozen but retains the texture of a snow cone, scoop in martini glasses and serve immediately. Lemon, watermelon and rhubarb work well, as does cucumber juice, basil puree and green tea.
Desserts
Spicy food isn't just for savory dishes; the combination of sweet sugar and fiery capsaicin is a favorite among pepper enthusiasts. Grill your favorite fruits, such as peaches, pineapples and mangoes. Transfer the fruit to a large, serving platter, drizzle with warmed hot pepper jelly and garnish with fresh mint. Make a batch of thumbprint cookies with a dollop of hot pepper jelly in the center. Add some spice to poached pears by swirling a spoonful of hot pepper jelly into the poaching liquid. If chocolate is more your style, try a twist on frozen Mexican hot chocolate: dress up a bowl of chocolate ice cream with hot pepper jelly, a sprinkle of cinnamon, then top it all off with whipped cream.
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