Sweetandsourhotpeppers Recipes

QUICK SWEET-AND-SOUR PICKLE SPEARS

Steps:

• Fit the cucumbers, dill and garlic into a 1-quart Mason jar. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds and 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Pour the hot mixture into the jar with the cucumbers and let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and preferably overnight. The pickles will keep, refrigerated, for up to 2 weeks.

CANNING PEPPERS (HOT OR SWEET)

Steps:

• Wash peppers before beginning.
• Roast peppers on all sides to blister the skin, using either a grill, stovetop burner or oven broiler for 8-10 minutes. A grill outdoors is my preferred method.
• After roasting, place peppers on a tray under a damp towel for about 15 minutes. This will help the skins slip.
• Remove the towel and slip the skins of the peppers. Be sure to use gloves for hot peppers. Working under running water in the sink helps the skins slip easier.
• Use a sharp paring knife to cut around the stem of each pepper and remove the stem, seed and core of each pepper. For hot peppers, simply cut off the top of each pepper and then remove the seeds. (Again, gloves are important here for hot peppers!)
• Pack the peppers into prepared canning jars, either as whole peppers, slices or dices. For whole peppers, smash the pepper flat before sliding it into the jar (3-4 whole peppers per pint). Be sure to leave 1 inch headspace.
• Prepare a pressure canner according to the manufacturers instructions. This usually means adding 2-3 inches of water to the bottom of the canner and bringing it up to a simmer with the bottom trivet in place.
• Bring a kettle of water to a boil on the stove and fill jars with boiling water, maintaining 1 inch headspace. De-bubble jars, adjust headspace, wipe rims and seal with 2 part canning lids to finger tight. Load into a preheated pressure canner.
• Place the lid on the pressure canner, but do not start bringing it up to pressure. Allow steam to vent for 10 minutes before adding the canning weight and bringing the canner up to pressure (see notes for pressure).
• Once at pressure, process jars for 35 minutes. Canning in pints or half pints is acceptable, but don't use quarts or larger jars. Be sure to maintain pressure for the entire process time, and if the canner drops below pressure, re-start the timer.
• Once the jars have processed at pressure for 35 minutes, turn off the heat and allow the canner to cool completely before removing the jars. (Don't ever attempt to rapid cool a pressure canner.)
• When cool, remove the jars and check seals. Store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator for immediate use. Properly processed and sealed jars should maintain quality on the pantry shelf for 12-18 months.

SWEET-AND-SOUR SUPPER

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper. , In a greased 3-qt. baking dish, layer the rice, beef mixture, mushrooms and green pepper; set aside. In a large saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; stir in the remaining sauce ingredients until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. , Pour over layered ingredients. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes or until heated through.

SWEET AND SOUR PEPPERS

Steps:

• Combine lemon juice, tamari, honey, and hot sauce, and whisk until smooth.
• Heat wok or other large saute pan on high.
• Add the oil, garlic, ginger, chili, and scallion whites, and fry for 15 seconds.
• Add peppers and fry for a minute.
• Stir in 1/2 of the scallion greens and sesame seeds, and the sauce.
• Bring to a boil.
• Combine cornstarch and cold water. Stir into the vegetables and cook for another 30 seconds.
• Serve topped with remaining seeds and scallion.