Just as we call dried grapes “raisins” and dried plums “prunes,” peppers’ names are sometimes dependent on their state. For example, chipotle peppers are smoked, red jalapeño peppers. The poblano, when dried, is an ancho chili. But as far as I can tell, a dried habanero is simply called a “dried habanero.” Hmmm, this is really cramping my need for consistency! Are there any other fruits or vegetables that have different names when they are dried, or otherwise changed?
Peppers are still hangin’ on here in central Oklahoma. Perhaps you picked up a lot from Guilford Gardens, have a bumper crop in your garden, or took advantage of a deal at the farmers’ market. What are you going to do with them? You can roast and freeze them. You can dry them. Or you could make pepper jam or relish, hot treat that is a great condiment for cheese and crackers. Mmmmm!





Maria is making pepper jelly in Kam’s Kookery

Sweet and spicy, pepper jam will warm your belly all winter long!
Easy Jalapeño Jam
Adapted from the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving
12 oz. jalapeño peppers, stemmed, seeded, and deveined
2 cups cider vinegar, divided
6 cups granulated sugar
2 pouches (6 oz. total) liquid pectin
1. Prepare canner, jars, and lids.
2. In a blender or food processor fitted with a metal blade, puree peppers and 1 cup of vinegar until smooth.
3. In a large, deep stainless steel saucepan, combine pepper puree, remaining 1 cup vinegar and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat and boil, stirring constantly for 10 minutes. Stir in pectin. Boil hard, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Remove from heat and quickly skim off foam.
4. Quickly pour hot jelly into jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip-tight.
5. Place jars in canner, ensuring they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil and process for 10 minutes. Remove canner lid. Wait 5 minutes, then remove jars, cool, and store.
You could bypass the water bath canning process by sharing some and keeping the rest in your refrigerator. It should keep for at least a month.






















