Temptation – Evil!

Temptation comes in the sweetest disguises with the sweetest of intentions, doesn’t it. For example, someone I work with just brought back some leftover baked goods from a meeting she just attended. I am currently on Weight Watchers and I know that I shouldn’t indulge in this kind of food. Then again, WW does allow us the 35 extra points if such a situation like this occurs. Hhmmmmm what do you think? Should I succomb, just a little bit? They look so good, too! Mmmmmm. Help!

A Pleasant Surprise – Gourmet Pepper Jelly

I came across a Caribbean-inspired gourmet pepper jelly a few months ago and have been looking for an excuse to open a jar.

It’s made by blending Jamaican scotch bonnet peppers, red and green bell peppers, along with sugar and spices. This creates a sweet and tangy jelly that can be used in a number of ways.

For appetizers, pepper jelly is great with cream cheese on crackers. For a fancier affair, like a dinner party, glaze mini cheesecakes with the jelly, much as you’d do with an apricot glaze.

For the entree, pepper jelly is great paired alongside meats. For example, grill cubed chicken breast, bell peppers and pineapples on skewers, basting continually with the pepper jelly. Another great recipe involves simmering chicken breast seasoned with salt, black pepper and garlic powder in melted butter in a frying pan until meat is no longer pink. Stir in the jelly and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve over steaming hot rice.

The most intriguing idea I came across for using pepper jelly was in the dessert/snack category. Make a batch of your favourite shortbread cookie recipe. Turn out onto a floured surface and roll into a rectangle about 3/8ths of an inch thick. Cut into bars and place on lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes. Bake in 375-degree oven for 10-12 minutes or until just turning color. Remove from oven and while still warm, spoon the jelly evenly over the center of the bars. Adjust the heat to your liking by adding as little or as much of the jelly as you wish. Slice each log into individual cookies. Drizzle with powdered sugar icing for an extra sweet touch. The crisp heat of the pepper jelly marries very well with the buttery richness of the shortbread cookies.

I hope these ideas have inspired you to try something new and exciting using gourmet pepper jellies. I know I will.