This recipe is modified from our Aunt Debbie’s recipe and I modified it again from my first batch, as I doubled bell pepper and jalapeño quantity.

Welcome to a world of vibrant flavors and culinary excitement! Today, we’re diving into the realm of pepper jelly, a versatile and mouthwatering condiment that adds a spicy kick to your favorite dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, making your own pepper jelly is a rewarding adventure that will elevate your culinary creations to new heights.

Unveiling the Magic of Pepper

Jelly Pepper jelly is not just a condiment; it’s a flavor-packed revelation that can transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. The marriage of sweet and spicy creates a symphony of tastes that dance on your taste buds, leaving you craving more. The beauty of pepper jelly lies in its ability to pair seamlessly with both savory and sweet dishes, making it a kitchen essential.

The DIY Pepper Jelly Advantage

Why settle for store-bought when you can craft your own pepper jelly masterpiece? DIY pepper jelly allows you to control the heat level, experiment with unique pepper combinations, and tailor the sweetness to your liking. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress friends and family with a homemade treat that showcases your culinary prowess.

Pepper Jelly Pairings That Will Blow Your Mind

Get ready to elevate your meals with tantalizing pairings! From spreading it on warm, crusty bread to glazing meats with its sticky goodness, pepper jelly knows no bounds. Explore the world of unexpected flavor marriages, like pairing it with creamy cheeses, using it as a glaze for grilled vegetables, or even incorporating it into desserts for a sweet and spicy twist.

The Pepper Jelly Pantry Staples

To embark on your pepper jelly adventure, you’ll need a few key ingredients that are likely already hiding in your pantry. Stock up on fresh peppers, high-quality vinegar, sugar, and pectin, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a batch of pepper jelly that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

In conclusion, pepper jelly is the culinary secret weapon that adds pizzazz to your dishes and makes you the star of your kitchen. With its explosive flavor profile and endless pairing possibilities, homemade pepper jelly is a delightful journey into the world of culinary creativity. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a pepper jelly adventure that will make your taste buds sing!

The recipe

Ingredients

2 boxes Sure Jell
3 cups water
13 cups sugar
3 cups apple cider vinegar
4 cups finely chopped bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped jalapeño peppers (red and green)
4 drops green food color

Equipment

2 small pots
1 large processing pot with spacers
1 large jelly pot
1 wooden spoon
14 1/2-pint mason jars with 14 lid/band sets
Jar clamp tool
Large tongs
Lid tool
Head space measure tool
Funnel tool

Directions

1. Wash and sanitize jars, lids, and bands. Transfer the lids and bands to a small pot covered in water and keep on a low simmer to sanitize. Set up a processing pot with spacers, add jars, cover, and bring to a simmer to sanitize.
2. Add Sure Jell to 3 cups water in a small pot, whisk well and bring to a simmer for 2 minutes over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a very large pot add sugar and vinegar stir to dissolve with a wooden spoon over medium low heat. Bring to a boil stirring constantly for about five minutes.
4. To the sugar/vinegar mixture add peppers, dissolved sure jell and food color, simmer 2 minutes then turn off the heat and stir constantly for about 10 minutes
5. Put jelly in jars with 1/4” headspace. Wipe rims and seal with lids and bands finger tight.
6. Place in water bath covered at least 1-inch. Process jars 10-minutes. Turn off heat, let sit for 10-minutes, remove jars from water bath. Cool to room temperature on a kitchen towel. Once fully cooled, tighten the bands, wipe any spilled jelly and label. Store in a cool dry place for up to 1-year.
7. Recipe makes 14 half pint jars, plus a small amount leftover to enjoy immediately.

Notes from Debbie: I use the frozen bell peppers, chopped, and in the jar of chopped jalapeño peppers makes life really easy, but if y’all have fresh, that is great, you can use any color bell peppers you want.

Listen to my first guest radio appearance on WGSO radio show “Chew on This” hosted by Don and Patty as they talk with me about my cooking experience, cookbooks, gumbo, jambalaya, and answering questions about other Cajun and Creole preparations.

The podcast of the show which aired at noon CT on Saturday, September 2, 2023 is available for listening from the link below, you can listen anytime.

Embark on a flavorful journey to Mexico with our unique take on a classic dish – Two-Ingredient Dough Soft Mexican Tostadas. In this blog post, we’ll not only guide you through the simple and delicious recipe but also delve into the rich history, vibrant culture, and culinary heritage that make these tostadas an iconic part of Mexican cuisine.

Table of Contents:

1. The Origins and Heritage of Tostadas
2. Two-Ingredient Dough: A Modern Twist
3. Recipe: Two-Ingredient Dough Soft Mexican Tostadas
4. Step-By-Step Tostada Dough with Pictures
5. Toppings and Variations
6. Serving and Enjoying Tostadas
7. Conclusion

1. The Origins and Heritage of Tostadas: Tostadas have a long-standing history in Mexican cuisine. Derived from the Spanish word “tostar,” meaning “to toast,” tostadas are believed to have originated from the ancient Aztec and Maya civilizations. These civilizations utilized maize (corn) as a staple food, and tostadas became a creative way to use leftover tortillas by toasting or frying them until crispy. Tostadas eventually evolved into a versatile dish, featuring various toppings that reflect the diverse culinary influences of Mexico’s regions.

2. Two-Ingredient Dough: A Modern Twist: Incorporating the concept of two-ingredient dough into traditional Mexican cuisine adds a delightful modern twist. This dough, made from self-rising flour and plain non-fat Greek yogurt, creates a soft, chewy base for our tostadas, offering a healthier alternative to the traditional fried tortillas. Its simplicity and versatility make it an ideal canvas for exploring authentic Mexican flavors.

NOTE: If you don’t have self-rising flour, no problem, just add and stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to every 1 cup of all purpose flour…Boom! Done!

3. Recipe: Two-Ingredient Dough Soft Mexican Tostadas:

This recipe is inspired from the WW recipe for Two-ingredient-dough soft Mexican tostadas, available from their website too. At only 5 points per serving, this recipe is a must have in your kitchen repository if you love Mexican cuisine like we do!

5 Points® – Total Time: 37 min – Prep Time: 15 min – Cook Time: 22 min – Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain fat free Greek yogurt
• 1 cup white self-rising flour
• ¼ tsp table salt
• 1 cup fat free refried beans
• 2 tsp chili powder
• ½ cup canned white corn, or yellow corn
• ½ cup grape tomatoes, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, chopped
• 4 splashes hot sauce, or to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place yogurt and flour in a large bowl; stir well with a wooden spoon until just combined and then keep mixing dough in bowl with your hands until smooth (about 2 minutes of kneading). If dough is too sticky to knead, add more flour, 1 Tbsp at a time, until no longer sticky. Let rest for 5 minutes.
3. Place a large piece of parchment paper on a work surface or sheet pan and sprinkle with a little flour, place dough balls on paper. Measure out the dough into 1-ounce portions and place on the parchment, keep covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel. Use a rolling pin to roll each piece of dough into a 6-inch circle; slightly curl up edges to make a crust with a center. Or use a tortilla press (see photos below). Place tortillas on griddle and brown on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side. Place browned tortillas on a sheet pan.
4. Stir together the beans and chili powder. Spread ¼ cup beans on each tostada and top with 2 Tbsp corn, 2 Tbsp tomato and 1 Tbsp feta. Garnish with the cilantro. Serve with hot sauce, if desired.
5. Serving size: 1 tostada

4. Step-By-Step Tostada Dough with Pictures:

5. Toppings and Variations: The beauty of Mexican tostadas lies in their diverse toppings. Some traditional options include:

• Refried beans
• Shredded chicken or beef
• Sliced avocado
• Chopped tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Salsa or pico de gallo

Feel free to get creative and add your own variations or explore regional toppings like cochinita pibil, tinga de pollo, or ceviche.

6. Serving and Enjoying Tostadas: Arrange your cooked tostadas on a platter and set out bowls of your chosen toppings. Invite your guests to create their own customized tostadas, layering flavors and textures to their liking. This interactive and communal aspect of enjoying tostadas captures the essence of Mexican dining culture.

7. Conclusion: Two-Ingredient Dough Soft Mexican Tostadas bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, honoring the historical roots of tostadas while embracing a contemporary approach to preparation. As you savor each bite of these soft, flavorful tostadas, remember that you’re not just enjoying a meal but also experiencing the rich tapestry of Mexico’s culinary history, culture, and heritage.

Buen provecho!

Grilled Eggplant Parmesan is a delectable Italian dish that marries the smoky flavors of grilled eggplant with the richness of melted cheese and tangy fresh tomato slices. This classic recipe has a fascinating history rooted in Italian cuisine, and in this blog post, we’ll explore the origins, cultural significance, and sustainable aspects of this mouthwatering dish.

Grilled Eggplant Parmesan is a delectable Italian dish that marries the smoky flavors of grilled eggplant with the richness of melted cheese and tangy tomatoes. This classic recipe has a fascinating history rooted in Italian cuisine, and in this blog post, we’ll explore the origins, cultural significance, and sustainable aspects of this mouthwatering dish.

Eggplant Parmesan, also known as “Melanzane alla Parmigiana” in Italian, traces its roots back to the Southern regions of Italy. The dish originated in the city of Naples, where eggplants were commonly grown and incorporated into various dishes. Its creation can be attributed to resourcefulness, as eggplants were used as a substitute for meat during Lent.

Over the years, Eggplant Parmesan became a staple of Italian home cooking and a symbol of comfort food. Its layers of eggplant, cheese, and tomato sauce reflect the colors of the Italian flag, and the dish has become a beloved representation of Italian culinary heritage.

Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

This recipe is inspired by WW, it’s only 4 points per serving, and takes just under 30 minutes to prepare. We love this recipe, it’s quick and easy, and has an amazing flavor profile that you don’t get without the grilling!

4 Points® – Total Time: 25 min – Prep Time: 10 min – Cook Time: 15 min – Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4 sprays cooking spray
• 2 medium eggplants, (about 1 lb each), trimmed, each cut lengthwise into 4 thick slices
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¾ tsp Kosher salt
• ½ tsp Garlic powder
• 1 cup Shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
• 2 medium Tomatoes, each cut into 8 slices
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup basil, torn

Instructions

1. Coat an outdoor grill rack with cooking spray. Preheat the grill to medium-high. Or, preheat the oven broiler to high. Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer on a sheet pan. Sprinkle the tops of the eggplant slices with the Italian seasoning, salt, and garlic powder.
2. Arrange the eggplant, seasoned-side down, on the grill rack. Or, place the pan under the broiler about 4-6 inches below the burner. Turn the pan every 5-minutes or so to get even cooking. Close the grill lid and cook for 5 minutes. Turn the slices over. If using the broiler, then brown evenly as in the previous step. Once both sides of eggplant and fully cooked, top with mozzarella, tomato slices, and Parmesan. Close the grill lid and cook until the cheeses melt, and the eggplant is tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Arrange the eggplant slices on a platter. Garnish with the basil.
3. Serving size: 2 topped eggplant slices

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Tips: To make your Grilled Eggplant Parmesan more sustainable, consider the following tips:

• Choose organic and locally grown eggplants to support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint. Or use your own homegrown eggplant.
• Opt for homemade marinara sauce using fresh, locally sourced tomatoes, or choose a jarred sauce in glass packaging to minimize plastic waste. Or fresh tomatoes from your own garden.
• Use cheeses from sustainable dairy sources or explore plant-based cheese alternatives.
• Compost any vegetable scraps or peels, and recycle glass containers properly.

Grilled Eggplant Parmesan is not just a delicious dish; it’s a reflection of Italian culinary history and a celebration of sustainability. By enjoying this flavorful recipe, you’re not only savoring a piece of tradition but also making a conscious choice to support eco-friendly practices. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and indulge in the delightful symphony of flavors that Grilled Eggplant Parmesan has to offer. Buon appetito!

When it comes to culinary delights, few dishes can capture the essence of a region’s heritage quite like Lemon-Oregano Grilled Shrimp. This timeless recipe has been passed down through generations, originating from the sun-kissed coastal kitchens where sea meets land. In this blog post, we delve into the rich history, cultural significance, and sustainable practices that surround this delectable dish. Join us on a journey that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also connects you with the legacy of flavors and values that make Lemon-Oregano Grilled Shrimp a true culinary masterpiece.

Lemon-Oregano Grilled Shrimp carries within its marinade the echoes of ancient civilizations that thrived along the Mediterranean shores. The combination of zesty lemon and aromatic oregano harks back to a time when these ingredients were cherished for their medicinal properties and revered for their ability to elevate simple ingredients to sublime heights. Throughout history, the Mediterranean region has been a melting pot of cultures, and this dish stands as a delicious testament to the culinary fusion that resulted from this cultural exchange.

In the coastal towns and villages where fishing has long been a way of life, Lemon-Oregano Grilled Shrimp occupies a special place on the table during gatherings and celebrations. It symbolizes unity, as families and friends come together to share not just a meal, but a deep-rooted connection to their land and sea. The act of grilling the shrimp over open flames or hot coals pays homage to age-old cooking techniques, reminding us of a time when culinary artistry was intimately tied to nature’s elements.

Preserving the essence of this heritage dish goes hand in hand with embracing sustainable practices. Today, as we strive to honor tradition, we also recognize the importance of responsible sourcing. Choosing locally caught, responsibly harvested shrimp ensures that we maintain a delicate balance with the marine ecosystem. By making mindful choices, we protect the oceans and ensure that future generations can continue to savor the flavors that have stood the test of time.

Recipe: Lemon-Oregano Grilled Shrimp

This WW recipe inspired my interpretation of the dish with the ingredients and preparation steps I’ve included today. At only 2 points per serving, and only 10-minutes to feasting, this quick and easy dish is one to delight more often than not.

2 Points® – Total Time: 15 min – Prep Time: 10 min – Cook Time: 5 min – Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4 sprays Cooking spray
• 2 Tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Lemon zest
• 1½ Tbsp Fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp Kosher salt
• ½ tsp Black pepper
• 1 Tbsp Fresh oregano, finely chopped
• 3 large cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Instructions

1. Coat grill rack or grill pan with nonstick spray. Preheat outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high. Or turn your oven broiler to high.
2. In medium bowl, stir oil, lemon zest and juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir in oregano and garlic. Transfer 2 tsp lemon-oregano oil to small bowl. Add shrimp to remaining oil in bowl and toss until coated. Thread shrimp onto skewers (or use grill basket). Or if using the oven broiler, place the shrimp evenly on a sheet pan coated with cooking spray.
3. Grill shrimp until just cooked through, about 2 minutes on each side. Transfer shrimp to platter. Drizzle shrimp with reserved 2 tsp lemon-oregano oil.
4. Serving size: about 4 oz shrimp

Lemon-Oregano Grilled Shrimp is more than just a dish – it’s a culinary journey that connects us to the past, celebrates cultural heritage, and embraces sustainable practices for a better future. As you savor each succulent bite, remember that you’re indulging in a recipe that has stood the test of time, bringing generations together in the shared joy of good food, meaningful traditions, and a deep respect for the environment.