Pepper jelly is a very versatile spread for many different things when it comes to making recipes and adding to your favorite foods. It can be used alone on charcuterie boards, or as a key ingredient to your Christmas ham glaze. It can be used on vegetables, chicken wings, brushed on fish, pork chops and beef, and topped on cream cheese for a delicious party dip. Everyone should have a jar of this in their kitchen cupboard.
It Isn’t Just for Dips
Pepper jelly is one of those things that can be a staple ingredient in your kitchen cupboard, just like peanut butter, spices, or milk. You can add it into practically any dish to make it sweeter with a hint of heat. It’s great for toppings on salty meats such as ham and pork, and makes a great addition to paninis and sandwiches. Some southerners describe it as a mix between a relish and a jam, and they will add it to every recipe and any food they lay their hands on.
Available in Grocery Stores
Most pepper jelly comes in small 10-ounce jars since a little goes a long way, and is made in small batches. It’s very popular in Asian cultures, since the combination of sweet and spicy is a popular taste bud craving for them. You don’t need to go to a specialty store just to find this spread, as you’ll most likely find it in the condiments section of your local grocery store.
It’s Been Around for Awhile
It’s said that the first history known for the invention of pepper jelly began in Lake Jackson, Texas. It started being sold for commission in the late 1970’s and jalapeno peppers were likely to be in the original recipes. Since then, fans have been using it as a spread on sandwiches and hamburgers, spreading it on their ham, egg and cheese bagels, and even using it as an ice cream topping.
Easy to Serve
Pepper jelly by itself has a sweet and spicy intense flavor, and it’s often eaten in small portions with cheese and crackers, hence the small jars it’s sold in. Most times it’s either used as a spread or topping on top of brie and cream cheese. It’s also used as a spread on sandwiches and even melted into recipes like jambalaya and glazes on hams. When melted, it’s easy to use as a sweet and spicy salad dressing, on subs, or burgers.
Surprisingly, you can also add pepper jelly into cocktails like sangrias, and some love using it as a topping on vanilla ice cream for a sweet and spicy twist to their favorite summer treat.
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