Quick and Easy Apricot Pepper Glaze

Here’s is a quick recipe that you can use for pork loin or chicken. Sure you can buy this in the store but, as always, it’s better and cheaper if you make it yourself. But a jar of apricot jam (you can substitute any jam you want if you don’t like apricot…weirdo…jk). While you’re there buy a red jalapeño and a green jalapeño. And if you don’t stock vodka make an appointment with your psychiatrist and then buy a bottle.

1 jar apricot jam (any jam will do)
1 red jalapeño
1 green jalapeño
10 whole peppercorns
½ shot of vodka

Dice the jalapeños and place in bowl with the peppercorns and vodka. Stir in the jam and return to jar and refrigerate if not using immediately. You should be able to fit almost all the jam back in the original jar. Eat the rest if you want but spit out the peppercorns. Make sure you label the jar so your 6-year-old doesn’t make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with it. If he does…milk or yogurt, stat!

This makes a great glaze for a pork loin or roast chicken. Apply liberally a few times during cooking.

Music to listen to while preparing this:

My fun with a new toy...

I wasn't scheduled to blog today but I couldn't resist this one. I had so much fun this week with a new toy; my new Seal-A-Meal. If any of you cook for one you know that (a) finding one portion packages is hard and (b) it's expensive. This week with the help of a Target gift card from my friends, I purchased a Seal-A-Meal and then promptly headed out for Costco and spent about $80 on a variety of meats. I bought catfish, salmon, pork loin, sausages even bleu cheese. Then I came home and began to divide the meat into individual portions. I figure now I have about 20 meals waiting in the freezer. That's $4 per. Not bad. Unlike our government, I can actually "spend money to save money."

They make a bunch of different type of food savers including one brand called...err...Food Saver. They come in hand held and counter top models. I bought my counter top (but easily stored in cupboard) model because it was $49.99 and I had a $50 gift card.

Finally, my other pet peeve is buying fresh herbs only to use once and then throw away. I'm currently experimenting with Thyme, Sage, Rosemary (but Rosemary got away...just kidding) and Dill. So far, so good but I'll let you know how they turn out as I use them.

Link to the Seal-a-Meal device on the carousel (left).