Caribbean Pepper Infused Oil Food

PILI PILI (SPICY HERB OIL)

Steps:

• Place the herbs, chiles and oil in a medium saucepan and heat slowly over low heat until they begin to sizzle. If you insert a thermometer, the temperature should not go above 220ºF. Turn off the heat and wait for the oil to stop sizzling, then cover and allow to cool.
• Transfer the herbs and chiles to a clean, sterilized bottle (you may need to use a funnel to do this neatly). Pour on the olive oil. Close tightly and allow to stand in a dark, cool place for a week to mature.

CHILI OIL

Steps:

• Combine the oil and crushed red pepper flakes in a heavy small saucepan. Cook over low heat until a thermometer inserted into the oil registers 180 degrees F, about 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature, about 2 hours. Transfer the oil and pepper flakes to a 4-ounce bottle. Seal the lid. Refrigerate up to 1 month.

CARIBBEAN PEPPER INFUSED OIL

Steps:

• Place herbs and spices in the bottle.
• Add warm oil.
• Cover and let stand for 2 weeks.
• Taste the oil. If the flavor isn't strong enough, add more flavorings. You may leave the herbs in the oil or strain them out. Once the oil is infused, keep it in the refrigerator. It may get cloudy from the cold, but should clear up when it reaches room temperature. The oil should last, refrigerated, for up to 2 months.
• Use sparingly.
• Optionally if you are in a hurry to make this herb you may use a crockpot. Put all ingredients in crock and cook on high for 1 1/2 hours. Cool and bottle.