Simmering Sweat Sauce

Sixteen habaneros. You read that right. This sauce does not mess around.

But before you run for the hills, know that all those scorching peppers get tamed by a serious lineup of sweet fruit: canned plums, apricots, plum jam, sugar, and roasted pimentos.

Everything goes into the blender, gets pureed smooth, then simmers for 20 minutes until it thickens into a glossy, pourable sauce with a sweet-then-WHOA heat that builds with every taste.

This batch makes 10 cups, so you’ll have plenty to bottle up for gifts, grilling season, or your own private stash.

Pro Tips

• Wear gloves when handling 16 habaneros. Seriously. One absent-minded eye rub and you’ll remember this advice the hard way.
• Remove all seeds and membranes from the habaneros if you want the heat manageable. Leave some in if you want to truly test your limits.
• Stir constantly during the simmer. The high sugar content means this sauce scorches fast on the bottom of the pan.
• Bottle in sterilized jars while hot for longer shelf life. This sauce makes an incredible homemade gift for anyone who loves heat with their sweet.