Pepper Sauce

Pepper sauce is something I have mistakenly assumed that everybody in the United States knows about since it is quite literally a staple in all Southern kitchens. Whether you buy it at the store or make it homemade, pepper sauce is to turnip greens like ketchup is to french fries; they simply go hand in hand down in the South. The origins of this condiment is still a mystery to me even though its been gracing Southern tables for generations. If you have never tried pepper sauce, I encourage you to whip up a batch if for no other reason because it looks so pretty sitting on the table.

PEPPER SAUCE

• Small chili peppers in assorted colors, washed and dried
  
• White vinegar
• Stainless steel saucepan
• Funnel
• 1 wooden skewer or chop stick
  
• Clean glass bottle with a cap or cork
  
• 1 straight pin or safety pin

(This recipe has no exact measurements. As my friend use to say, you will have to eyeball everything.) Depending on the size of bottle you are using, pour desired amount of vinegar into a stainless steel pan and bring to a boil then turn down heat to a simmer. Meanwhile, estimate how many peppers will fit into your bottle and poke each pepper 4 or 5 times with a pin. Using a wooden skewer or chop stick, stuff the peppers into the bottle making sure not to pack the bottle too tight with the peppers. Next, using a funnel, pour the hot vinegar into the bottle slowly filling it until the bottle is full. Cap the bottle and set aside for a week or two before using.



Notes:

1. Pepper sauce can be poured over any type of greens or peas. The flavored vinegar will cut the bitterness of the greens and add flavor to the peas.
2. The bottle should be clear glass so the beauty of the peppers clearly show. Also, the bottle should be made so the vinegar can be easily poured out of the bottle onto your food.
3. Since there is such a high acid content to pepper sauce, it does not need to be refrigerated.
   
4. When the vinegar starts to run low in the bottle, simply fill the bottle up again with additional vinegar. The peppers may lose their color but the vinegar will still be flavorful.
5. If you like peppers, feel free to fetch them out of the bottle to eat with your meal - that's how the old timers would do it.
6. Lastly, pepper sauce makes a great gift because it's so pretty and so delicious.