Calico Jalapeno Jam Food

BEAN TRIO

Steps:

• For the best basic beans: Cover the beans with cold water to cover by 1 inch, and soak at least 3 hours or up to overnight.
• Rinse the beans and place them in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Top with the garlic, bacon, bay leaves, onion, salt and pepper. Add enough water to cover by 1 inch, then mix and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, then cover the pot halfway (meaning, don't place the lid tightly on the pot) and cook until the liquid is thick and the beans are tender, 3 to 3 1/2 hours. (Continue to simmer if it needs more time.)
• Serve topped with grated Cheddar and diced red onion.
• For the Tex-Mex beans: Follow the basic beans recipe above, adding the jalapenos, chili powder and hot sauce with the bacon and other ingredients. Simmer the beans according to the directions above. Serve topped with a dollop each of guacamole, salsa and sour cream.
• For the Cajun beans: Follow the basic beans recipe above, adding the andouille sausage, paprika, chile flakes and thyme with the bacon and other ingredients. Simmer the beans according to the directions above. Serve topped with sliced green onions.

CALICO JALAPENO JAM

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients, except the pectin in a large saucepan or stockpot.
• Bring to a boil over high heat, and boil vigorously for 1 minute.
• Immediately stir in the the pectin.
• Bring mixture back to a rolling boil, and boil for 1 minute.
• Spoon jam into prepared jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
• Process in a water bath according to directions, usually 10 minutes.
• The jam may take several hours to set.

JALAPENO JAM AND CORN MUFFINS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Grease muffin tin.
• Sift together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and cayenne in a bowl and set aside.
• In another large bowl, beat together buttermilk, butter and sugar.
• Mix in the eggs, then the corn, blending well after each addition.
• Add the flour mixture, and stir to combine lightly.
• Spoon half of the batter (it will be stiff) into the greased muffin tins, filling each cup just 1/3 full.
• Drop about 1 teaspoon of jelly on top of the batter in each cup.
• Top with the remaining batter, covering the jelly completely.
• Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until they are a deep golden.
• Serve warm with butter.