The Southern Condiment We Placed on Nearly Every little thing

Candy, a bit spicy, and ruby purple, pepper jelly is the curious unfold that’s extra versatile than it lets on. Pepper jelly has earned its place within the Southern pantry not simply due to its playful appeal and attention-grabbing seems to be but additionally as a result of it is flat-out scrumptious.

The primary time I encountered a jar of pepper jelly, I noticed it sitting on a thick wood board subsequent to a sleeve of Ritz crackers and a naked block of cream cheese.

I checked out it suspiciously at first—brilliant jelly with cream cheese?—however as soon as I sampled this peculiar providing, I bought it: buttery crackers, zingy jelly, and wealthy, velvety cream cheese all coming collectively in an ideal chew.

For our affiliate editorial director, Megan, the pepper jelly–Ritz cracker scene is a well-known one. “Rising up in North Carolina, it actually wasn’t a celebration with out buttery Ritz crackers topped with cream cheese and pepper jelly,” she says. “Scorching tip from my time dwelling in Louisiana: Pepper jelly can be a incredible dip for fried hen livers.” Megan additionally recommends it as a topper for deviled eggs, blended right into a French dressing for leafy greens, and served with nation ham. She’s particularly thrilled to have this recipe readily available now, since she hasn’t been capable of finding good pepper jelly in New York, the place she lives.

Thought to have originated in Texas within the Nineteen Seventies, pepper jelly ultimately grew to become a pantry staple throughout the South, typically bought at native meals markets or canned at residence. Its taste attraction hinges on the timeless steadiness of candy and spicy. I particularly love this model beneath, developed by my colleague Craig Ruff from our Birmingham, Alabama, check kitchen. Staying true to the basic condiment, he achieves a balanced ratio of peppers alongside spicy chiles.

Pink bell peppers lend a pleasing fruitiness, whereas a smaller portion of inexperienced bell peppers provides a vegetal, grassy observe. Fresno and jalapeño chiles give the jelly its signature gentle warmth—by no means overwhelming, however at all times current. In the meantime,  apple cider vinegar perks up the combination with its crisp acidity.

Craig depends on a meals processor to course of a portion of the purple bell peppers and Fresno chiles, releasing their crimson juices, creating the jelly’s base, and giving it that iconic purple hue. The remaining purple bell peppers and Fresno chile are finely chopped by hand to protect their chew, including colourful flecks that pepper by way of (pun supposed) the jelly. Craig opts for low-sugar pectin (akin to Positive-Jell), which does not depend on massive quantities of sugar to activate, permitting for higher management over the jelly’s sweetness. The pectin units the combination, giving the unfold its gel-like texture. The recipe contains directions for each straightforward, short-term storage and correct canning for longer-term holding.

This versatile jelly deserves its place on a cheese board—whether or not paired with cream cheese, brie, or one thing extra savory and agency, akin to manchego or Chällerhocker. It additionally works superbly as a glaze for grilled meats, akin to hen, or as a candy and spicy unfold on sandwiches. I personally adore it spooned over a mound of stracciatella, draped on prime of a thick slice of sourdough. When you did not develop up with it, pepper jelly may elevate an eyebrow at first look—however when you style it, it’s going to win you over, similar to it did me.

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