This is one of my old stand by's for that extra "pop" on a dish to push up the points.....
If you like products such Texas Rib Candy - give this a try...it should produce similar results, and is fully customizable to your taste for heat, or flavor:
1- jar of fruit preserves. I prefer blackberry - but ANY fruit will do. Pick one you like.
2. remove lid - and place jar in microwave for 60 seconds - and check for liquidity, stir, add more cook time if needed. We need the preserves to be pourable.
3.When heated sufficiently - pour the preserves thru a fine wire strainer, into a bowl. Use the back of a tablespoon or rubber spatula, etc...to squeeze out all of the liquid. Be sure to scrape off all the liquid clinging to the underside of the strainer too!
4. Add a SMALL amount - start with 1/2 - 1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar, and sir. Taste. You want to achieve a balance of the sweet/tart flavor that suits you.
5.Add a heat source of your choice. I prefer jalapeno powder (Texas Gunpowder) but you may want cayenne, or habanero, etc. (Be careful...A little too much of this stuff is what caused the Chinese to get the idea for fireworks.....
)
Stir, and use as you choose. If you like it more tart, it will be thinner in viscosity, thus it will work in a squeeze bottle such as those you see in restaurants. This makes it great for making ribbons of color and flavor on a pork loin, or on your favorite recipe for ABTS, or moinks.....you name it.
If you want it really thick - but still want that sweet/tart balance - allow the mix to cool to be sure of its thickness/viscosity at room temp **and it will be thicker when refridgerated** Add ( IN VERY SMALL AMOUNTS) Arrowroot powder, while the mix is being re-heated and test thickness often. if you can't find Arrowroot powder at your local co-op or health food store ( it is gluten free Cliff!
) then you can use corn starch.
Arrowroot is 2 times a strong in it's thicken power and it does not cloud the mixture as does corn starch.
So - experiment with this outline, and please - share with us your favorite blends.
