Cranberry Pepper Jelly

Product:

Cranberry Pepper Jelly from New England Cranberry (www.newenglandcranberry.com)

The label reads "Spicy, but not too hot"

I tried some of this jelly at Whole Foods Market three or four years ago when they were giving out samples and I liked it enough to buy a jar. Although I spent good money on the jar of jelly I brought it home, put it in the door of my fridge between the Gooseberry Jam and the Tandoori Paste and promptly forgot all about it.

Fast forward to the present.

I noticed the jar of spicy cranberry jelly and vaguely remembering that it was delicious finally decided it must be time to open it. Wow. This is wonderful stuff.

My favorite way to use it is to put some fresh goat cheese on a toasted slice of baguette and spread the jelly over the top. The jelly is sweet and tart at first taste and then a warm pepper kick follows up at the end. Imagine greating your Thanksgiving guests with a big plate of these as a little appetizer before the main event.

It would also make a fabulous glace for a roast - say a ham or a leg of lamb.

I've tried other cranberry pepper jellies, but I usually find them too sweet. This one has found the balance of flavors.