apples

delish apple and jalapeno chutney served with some armstrong sharp white cheddar cheese - simple idea for an appetizer with some crusty bread and your fave white wine

Apple Jalapeno Chutney

Chutney is a condiment to accompany meat or cheese. It can be used on sandwiches, as a nice little side for any sort of roasted, pan-fried or barbecued meats. Its origin is East India and generally contained spices. Essentially it will contain vinegar, sugar, fruits and salt. You can change it out and make it your own. I tend to use fruits that aren’t too high in water and don’t break down too easily.

This makes two, 1 cup (8 oz/250 ml) jars. It develops its flavor as it sits so I like to make it at least a day or two prior to serving. I made this chutney to serve with roasted pork but I ate it with some really sharp aged white cheddar and crusty bread and it was fabulous.  I used golden delicious apples but you can tweak it and use whatever apples you fancy.

4 golden delicious apples, peeled, quartered, cored and diced

2 or 3 large jalapenos, diced (you can vary this depending on your tolerance to heat)

1 medium white onion, diced

1 cup red wine vinegar (you can really use whatever vinegar you have on hand)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (or curry powder would work really nicely here too)

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon (at least) salt

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, uncovered. Reduce to medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, about 35 minutes or until thickened. Spoon into hot sterilized jars. Makes about 2 cups.