Need to know how to bottle chillis or some other nice ways to use up all my chillis ?

Question

I have plenty of chilli plants hot ones mild ones you name it, now I just need some recipes so that I can use them up and especially so that I can make friends gifts. I particularly would like to know if how bottle them in vinegar or what ever it may be that you put in the jars aswell.

One of my partners ex work buddies gave him a homemade jar of chillis. He has since left so we can not chase him for the recipe. I think they could be pickled ? not really sure what he has done but it is nice. There are no extras to it just the chillis and whatever juice he has used. Anyone that may have any idea of this recipe would love to hear from you. I appreciate all answers though !!!

Answer 1

I keep a stash of serranos from my garden in the freezer for use all winter long. Hubby loves them in his omlettes.

You can also dry them (just string them with a needle and thread)
or infuse them in oil. Use pretty bottles, if you plan to give as gifts.
I would think you can put them in vinegar without going all mushy, if you do so after they have been dried.
Maybe even infuse them in vodka... you know like Absolute Pepper.

Here is a recipe I found for Pickled Hot Peppers

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 pounds banana peppers, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 pound jalapeno peppers, cut into 1 inch pieces
1/4 pound serrano peppers, cut into 1 inch pieces
6 cups vinegar
2 cups water
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 onion, chopped
DIRECTIONS
Place the banana peppers, jalapeno peppers, and serrano peppers into a large pot. Add the vinegar, water, garlic, and onion. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Ladle peppers into sterile jars, and fill to the top with the liquid, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Tap jars on the counter to remove air bubbles. Place two piece lids on the jars.
Place jars in the rack of a large, canning pan, and fill with enough water to cover the jars completely. Bring to a boil, and boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Refrigerate jars after opening.

Answer 2

I think that drying them is your best bet or putting them in an oil and have some flavored oil around. Otherwise there are several chili jelly recipes on the web. Just putting them in vinegar would make them fall apart and nobody would want that mixture.

Answer 3

I know you want them for friends but I find freezing the chillies helps keeps them fresh. I tried to bottle them once and the chillies went all mushy.

Answer 4

If you go to http://recipehomepage.blogspot.com there is a section dedicated solely to peppers. You will find what you want there.

I also know it is possible to freeze peppers if you devein and deseed them first. After thawing, they will taste fine but be soft.

Hope this helps...