Sugared Jalapenos on Cream Cheese

SUGARED JALAPENOES ON CREAM CHEESE

What you need…

1 (12 oz.) jar sliced pickled jalapeno peppers

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. grated lime rind

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese

Tortilla chips

What you do…

Plan to make this recipe two days before serving. During the refrigeration time, a sweet, tangy syrup will form in the jar with pepper slices, and the slices will appear candied. Shake the jar a couple of times a day to help dissolve the sugar that settles at the bottom.

Drain jalapeno slices, discarding liquid and reserving jar and lid. Toss together jalapeno slices, sugar, and lime rind in a small bowl. Let stand 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Spoon jalapeno mixture into reserved jar. Scrap remaining sugar mixture from bottom and sides of bowl into jar. Cover jar with lid, and chill 48 hours or up to 1 week, shaking jar occasionally.

Spoon jalapeno slices over cream cheese and drizzle with 2 to 4 Tbsp. of syrup. Serve with tortilla chips.

Yield: 8-10 appetizer servings

— Marideane Maxwell, Albany