Hot Pepper Jelly is another holiday favorite that was a local homemade gift for my mom at the holidays. She always had it on hand with cream cheese and Ritz crackers. This year, my daughter Nyssa gave me some locally-made balsamic pepper jelly. I thought this would be a great time to continue exploring aromatic creations like my recent aromatic medicinal honeys.
I decided to play around and added essential oils to see what may work best.
First, I separated it into three samples and heated just slightly so it was easier to blend.
Then, I picked three oils to add. The oils I chose were: Sweet orange, Lime, and Cinnamon Bark (just for an extra kick).
I added one drop each to 2oz samples. It’s important to keep dilutions low, using only what is needed for effect. Believe me, these oils are pretty potent, so you won’t need much. And you are keeping it safe.
The results:
Lime won out!
Orange had a limonene “orange cleaner” overtone, and Cinnamon was okay. However, Lime was very refreshing with this balsamic pepper jelly. Taste-tested by my husband, we agreed that Lime wins!
To use, I spread on cracker with cream cheese. You can use any soft cheeses, like brie for example. Add it to a croissant or use as a glaze on veggies or meats!
I plan to try some other oils with my strawberry basil jam and mango lime salsa. Yum! Watch for those to come.
We encourage you to support your local jelly vendors (found at most community markets). Or if you are more of the jelly-making type, here are some links for Pepper Jelly.
Let us know how it works out for you and which flavors and essential oils you like. Leave us a comment below!
I love the pepper jam with garlic, lime and coriander or cilantro (seed versus leaf of the same plant); endive or radicchio as the conveyance, topped with avocado, tomato and cotija make a great appetizer!
now that sound wonderful Leslie!!
what would you add to mango lime salsa? I have a jar and want to kick it up! you always have the best ideas!
I love all the recipes you share! In previous posts you mention only taking oils internally in moderation or if fighting a virus. In an instance with such a small amount, would you consider this an okay amount to take more casually…say if you put it out with a spread of crackers and cheese for friends? Have you tried baking with oils? I wonder about a few drops of lemon in a batch of 12 blueberry lemon muffins? Makes for a healthy snack when you might need a boost? Thoughts?
Hi Liz, yes this is for fun, delicious fun too, where as the honey are more medicinal for congestion or sore throat. Baking causes loss of most EO with evaporation so flavoring is better for that but lemon could give a boost to the flavor of many things that dont get heated up, like salsa, and salads!
Great stuff! So one drop of lemon or lime in salsa would be totally fine? In a huge batch?
yes! depending on how much salsa, perhaps several drops for larger amount. I suggest try one drop, taste, add another if you like. I used one drop in ounce of jam and was plenty strong. Play around and see what works, come back and tell me!!