Ingredients:
- 1 cup of honey
- 2-3 dried chili peppers (such as jalapeno, Thai, or serrano)
Step 1: Prep the Chili Peppers
Start by removing the stems from the dried chili peppers. If you prefer a milder heat, remove the seeds as well. Keep in mind that the more seeds you keep, the spicier your chili honey will be.
Step 2: Infuse the Honey
Pour the honey into a small saucepan and add the chili peppers. Ensure that the peppers are fully submerged in the honey. By infusing the honey with the chili’s flavors, you’ll achieve a balanced blend of sweetness and spiciness.
Step 3: Heat the Mixture
Place the saucepan over low heat and warm the honey and chili pepper mixture. Stir occasionally to prevent the honey from burning or sticking to the pan. Maintain this gentle heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Strain the Mixture
After the mixture has steeped for 10 minutes, use a fine-mesh sieve or a piece of cheesecloth to strain the honey, removing the chili peppers. This step will leave you with a smooth and silky spicy honey, free of any chili residue.
Step 5: Store and Enjoy
Once strained, transfer the spicy chili honey to a clean jar or bottle. Allow it to cool completely before sealing it. Stored at room temperature, the honey can last for several months. It’s now ready to be drizzled over grilled meats, stirred into marinades, or used as a dipping sauce!
With just a few simple steps, you’ve created a homemade culinary gem. Spicy chili honey adds a unique flavor profile to your favorite recipes and can even be given as a thoughtful homemade gift. Enjoy exploring the countless ways to incorporate this tantalizing condiment into your culinary creations!