Coming in HOT with New Jalapeños

The plants are loaded jalapeños, and I can’t wait to make jalapeño poppers, strawberry jalapeño jam, and cowboy candy.

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It all happens at once, doesn’t it? The plants are very ready all of a sudden and need attention now. Our garden and those that have been generous enough to share with us just exploded with produce over the last two weeks. Our jalapeño plants are loaded with peppers. We also have learned the importance of wearing gloves when cutting the peppers. Did you know if you do get pepper oils, on your hands, one method to get the oil off is using this kind of cooking oil and dawn soap can help get it off.

School has started so that means weekends have to be used very wisely. Today, I picked a basket of jalapeños to put them to good use. Jalapeño poppers were my first choice, but only my husband and I eat those, so I should probably wait until we have some help to eat them since it’ll make a bunch. We always seem to make 20 or more poppers at a time, and they do not heat up again well.

My second choice might be cowboy candy, but that has a real kick to it. I might change up the recipe just a bit to better suit my taste buds. I think I would take the seeds out and cut them into pieces rather than slicing them, leaving the seeds in them.

Nature’s Way of Feeding the Soul

I love seeing what nature has in store for us. Waking up early and walking down to the garden to see what waits for me to harvest is a joy that never gets old. Pulling the weeds to give the plants less competition for nutrients and water is so satisfying. I spent an hour working on weeds; does it look like it? No, there are still so many. That is okay though, because I know little bits at a time make it all worth it.

As I work, I can hear the birds singing their morning songs, and sometimes I even catch glimpses of butterflies fluttering around the blooming flowers. It’s moments like these that remind me why I began gardening in the first place—to connect with nature and find peace in the simple, yet rewarding, tasks.

Faith

What nutrients do you need? Does your soul need to be fed, but you’re not sure where to start? That’s how I feel, but I do know where to start, honestly. It’s reading my Bible, God’s word is nutrients to us.. He’s telling us exactly what we need; it’s just a matter of listening to his whispers. I know talking with others about the Bible and Christian life help feed my soul.

John 6:27 (NIV)

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

Ways to use your Jalapeños!

Jalapeños are super versatile—they can add heat, freshness, or even sweetness depending on how you use them. Here are a bunch of ways to use them:

Fresh (crisp + spicy)

• Slice into tacos, nachos, burgers, or sandwiches
• Dice into salsas (pico de gallo, mango salsa, corn salsa)
• Add to guacamole for a kick
• Toss into salads for extra crunch

Cooked (milder + deeper flavor)

• Sauté with onions and peppers for fajitas
• Add to stir-fries, eggs, or breakfast scrambles
• Mix into cornbread or biscuits
• Roast or grill them whole for smoky flavor

Stuffed (classic favorite)

• Jalapeño poppers: fill with cream cheese, cheddar, or sausage, then bake or fry
• Wrap stuffed jalapeños in bacon for extra richness

Pickled (tangy + addictive)

• Quick-pickle slices with vinegar, water, salt, and sugar
• Use on tacos, pizza, sandwiches, or bowls

Blended (sauces & dips)

• Make jalapeño hot sauce or green salsa
• Blend into creamy dips (jalapeño ranch, cilantro-lime sauce)
• Add to hummus for a spicy twist

Infused (subtle heat)

• Infuse into oils for cooking or drizzling
• Add to margaritas or cocktails (spicy jalapeño margarita)

Preserved

• Freeze chopped jalapeños for later use
• Make jalapeño jelly (great with cheese and crackers)

Sweet + spicy combos

• Pair with pineapple, mango, or honey in glazes or salsas
• Use in jams or chutneys

🔥 Jalapeño Poppers (oven-baked)

Ingredients

• 8–10 jalapeños
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar
• Optional: bacon, garlic powder

Steps

1. Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds (leave some if you want more heat).
2. Mix cream cheese + cheddar (+ seasoning if using).
3. Fill each jalapeño half.
4. Optional: wrap with bacon.
5. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 min until bubbly.

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🌶 Fresh Jalapeño Salsa (quick + bright)

Ingredients

• 3–4 jalapeños
• 2 tomatoes
• ¼ onion
• 1 clove garlic
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt, cilantro (optional)

Steps

1. Roughly chop everything.
2. Blend or pulse to your preferred texture.
3. Taste and adjust salt/lime.

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🥒 Quick Pickled Jalapeños (super useful)

Ingredients

• 4–5 jalapeños (sliced)
• ½ cup vinegar
• ½ cup water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt

Steps

1. Heat vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
2. Pour over sliced jalapeños in a jar.
3. Let cool, then refrigerate.
   👉 Ready in about an hour, better overnight.

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🧀 Jalapeño Cornbread

Ingredients

• Cornbread mix (or homemade batter)
• 1–2 jalapeños (diced)
• ½ cup shredded cheese

Steps

1. Prepare batter as usual.
2. Fold in jalapeños + cheese.
3. Bake according to mix instructions.

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🍹 Spicy Jalapeño Margarita

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• ¾ oz triple sec
• 2–3 jalapeño slices

Steps

1. Muddle jalapeños in shaker.
2. Add everything + ice, shake.
3. Strain into glass (salt rim optional).