GOLDEN DELICIOUS COLESLAW

My uncle David loves pepper jelly! Whenever I come for a visit he foists his latest pepper jelly find on me. It has gotten to be a running joke between us. Try this slaw dressing with your favorite pepper jelly. I always look for interesting batches at roadside stands and farmers’ markets. No two batches may ever be alike, but the slaw is always bound to be good! This colorful slaw combines mellow Golden Delicious apple matchsticks with a flare of hot pepper.

Makes 6 servings

2 CUPS THINLY SLICED GREEN CABBAGE

1¼ CUPS THINLY SLICED RED CABBAGE

1 LARGE CARROT, SHREDDED

2 GOLDEN DELICIOUS APPLES, PEELED, CORED, AND CUT INTO MATCHSTICKS

1 CUP MAYONNAISE

3 TABLESPOONS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

¼ CUP APPLE HABANERO PEPPER JELLY (TEXAS PEPPER JELLY)

SALT AND FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER

Combine the cabbage, carrot, apples, mayonnaise, vinegar, and jelly in a large bowl and mix well to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

SOUTHERN SIMPLE: This is a great make-ahead recipe. It needs to sit for at least an hour so the juices get released. The apple and veggies become a little soft but still have a nice crunch to them.

If the slaw is going to sit for an extended time, toss the apple matchsticks in vinegar to keep them from turning brown.

SOUTHERN SIMPLE: If you can’t find apple pepper jelly at the market, substitute 2 tablespoons hot pepper jelly and 2 tablespoons apple jelly for the apple habanero jelly.

SOUTHERN MOTHER: A sweet hostess gift is a jar of apple habanero pepper jelly from my buddies over in Texas, tied up with a recipe card for this slaw. You can order their wonderful jelly at www.texaspepperjelly.com.