Pepper Jelly Uses

Pepper Jelly is one of the most interesting concoctions that has come to be. It combines the texture and style of jelly or jam and then mixes it up with the flavors of different peppers. Think of a normal jar of jam or jelly, and you'll have your answer to the question of what is pepper jelly. Well, almost that is! In consistency and texture it is similar, but when it comes to pepper jelly uses or pepper jelly flavors, it is quite unique. We shall come to the point of pepper jelly uses a little later in the article; but for now, let us get into some more details about pepper jelly and what it really is.

What is Pepper Jelly?

Pepper jelly is made from a variety of fruit that fall under the category of 'pepper'. These include the various varieties of capsicum. Therefore, pepper jelly ingredients could include any of these capsicum types. The unique quality of pepper jelly is that it can manifest itself into different flavors. It can vary from being sweet, salty, hot, spicy and various degrees of these. This is again owing to the fact that there are several capsicum varieties to choose from. The most common pepper jelly ingredients used are green bell peppers, red bell peppers, jalapenos and habaneros. Each of these peppers could be used on their own, or they could even be a combination of 2-3 peppers together. Read more on types of peppers.

These peppers are mixed with a combination of fruits like apples, peaches, pineapples, strawberries and other fruits to create a unique flavor and texture that is a mix of sweet and spicy. As stated earlier, pepper jelly is like a jam and jelly in consistency and texture, and just as jams use pectin for thickness, pepper jelly also uses pectin and sugar along with additional flavors like wine, vinegar, liqueur and fruits.

Pepper Jelly Uses

Owing to its unique flavors, which could range anywhere from hot to sweet to tangy and have varied degrees of spice to them, pepper jelly uses are many! Let us take a look at some of them:

    * Choose a flavor that you want to try out. Now take some of the pepper jelly and spread it over a cheese cracker as it is. The crunchy texture of the cracker will make for an interesting snack.
    * If a cheese cracker seems too small, toast a bread and spread pepper jelly on it.
    * Use it as a spread on bagels and cookies. Or simply roll into a frankie.
    * Alternately one can combine it with peanut butter jam to add some more flavors to it.
    * Use it as a tangy dressing. Heat some in the micro so that it melts a little. Then spread it over a salad to lend a different flavor to it.
    * Use it as an added flavor in a hamburger or any other dish, for example crusted fried shrimp.
    * Use it in drinks like margaritas or sangrias - the combination of tangy and sweet-sour, combined with an icy cool drink and alcohol is quite unique.
    * Use it as a dip for cheese and fish.
    * Some people pour a drop on their ice creams.
    * Add it to plain noodles to give it an added flavor.
    * Use it with plain rice instead of the other sauces.
    * Use it as a glaze to fry meats like pork, chicken and beef.
    * Use it as a glaze for fish like salmon.
    * Mix it with any dips to make a unique flavor.
    * Use it as a topping on waffles and pancakes.
    * Mix it with plain curd to make your own flavor.
    * Use it to sauté and stir fry vegetables.
    * Alternately, one can do this with different meat balls and chicken.

Pepper Jelly Recipes

Now for some pepper jelly recipes. Use these for cooking up some great dishes.

Pepper Jelly Sandwich

    * Mix mayonnaise and pepper jelly and spread over two slices.
    * Now add a layer of smoky ham, turkey or chicken.
    * Add cheese.
    * Now beat some eggs into a bowl and season with pepper and salt.
    * Now dip the sandwich into this and grill.

Fish Dish

    * Mix bourbon liquor, butter, honey and pepper jelly in a bowl.
    * Add salt and pepper and any other spice if you wish to.
    * Now spread a thick paste over the fish and cook.

Grilled Meat

    * Take any meat; turkey, chicken, ham, beef.
    * Now in a bowl mix together butter, dried sage, pepper jelly, salt and pepper.
    * Glaze over the meat and grill it.

Now that you know some of the most yummiest pepper jelly uses, aren't you dying to try them out? Let me not get in the way then - Have a great cook-a-thon!