I was fascinated by the name Jezebel sauce from the start. Jezebel was a wicked Old Testament figure, and her name has been used metaphorically to characterize a woman who is manipulative, immoral, or controlling.
When a recipe gets a name like this one, it always arouses my curiosity, and I had to try it! It turns out the only thing sinful about this sweet, hot, and spicy classic Southern condiment is that it is sinfully good!!
Jezebel sauce was born in the South like so many incredibly delicious things! It's believed to have originated in Alabama and gained popularity throughout the region. Here in Nebraska, I had never heard of it or seen it on the shelf in a grocery store.
I was intrigued! The sauce artfully combines sweet fruit preserves, jelly, ground mustard, horseradish, and sometimes other spices to create the most intriguing and versatile concoction you can use in so many different ways!
As with almost everything, there are endless personal adaptations, but I'm sharing a basic recipe, and it is up to you how you want to move the dial. If you want it sweeter, you can do that. Crave more heat? That's easy to do, too.
I sometimes wonder about the thought process when someone combines a surprising variety of ingredients. It often conjures images of the lovable "Swedish Chef" character on Sesame Street, merrily throwing things together randomly!
However, after someone has been cooking for many years, it's important to "trust the soup," as they say, because over time, a certain "sixth sense" is created, and somehow, the creator knows what the outcome will be!
Yesterday's post mentioned that I could not find pineapple jam locally, so I made my own. It was easy, and here's the recipe! In addition to pineapple jam or preserves, you'll also need apple jelly, prepared horseradish, dry ground mustard, and a few chili flakes if you like.
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together vigorously until everything is blended smoothly. I found it easier after putting the ingredients in the microwave for about a minute to soften the jelly.
Taste it now, but let it sit in the refrigerator for several hours or a day, then taste it again. You can add more jelly if you want it sweeter or more horseradish, mustard, or chili flakes if you like things hot. Try it on a cracker or with a bit of cheese. You won't be eating it with a spoon. 😉
Store your yummy sauce in a tightly sealed jar and keep it in the refrigerator. We are from Nebraska, so we are not particularly adventurous, but we loved it on crackers with cream cheese! It has a really unique flavor we both enjoyed!
PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
Jezebel sauce is a sweet, hot, and spicy condiment originating in the Southern United States, probably Alabama.
We love food! It's our favorite dish! 🤣 Southern Food is always a treat. You might enjoy making and eating a classic Sweet Potato Pie or this Delicious Cheese Ring from First Lady Rosalyn Carter! It's a great one for game days when you're rooting for your favorite teams!
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Love, GB (Betty Streff)
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