Easy Holiday Appetizers with a Sweet & Spicy Twist ⭐

December Pepper Post – Sweet With a Little Kick

The weeks leading up to Christmas are busy, but that doesn’t mean appetizers have to be complicated. These three easy recipes come together quickly and bring just the right mix of sweet and heat to your holiday table. Whether you’re hosting family, bringing a dish to share, or putting out something special for an evening at home, these are simple, dependable favorites that always disappear fast.

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🍓 Brie with Strawberry Jalapeño Preserves

Ingredients

• Wheel or wedge of brie cheese

• Campbell Gardens Strawberry Jalapeño Preserves

• Wafer crackers or pretzel-style crackers

Directions

1. Cut the brie into small slices or wedges, sized to fit your crackers.

2. Place a slice of brie on each wafer or pretzel cracker.

3. Spoon a small dollop of Strawberry Jalapeño Preserves over the top.

4. Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately.

Serving Tip

This appetizer works beautifully with either a delicate wafer cracker or a sturdier pretzel cracker. The pretzel adds a salty crunch that pairs exceptionally well with the sweet-heat preserves.

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🍑 Peach Jalapeño Sausage Coins

Ingredients

• 1 package smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), sliced into ½-inch coins

• Campbell Gardens Peach Jalapeño Preserves

• 1 ring of Candied Jalapeño on top

Directions

1. Cook the sausage:
   Place sausage coins in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until lightly browned on both sides and heated through, about 6–8 minutes.

2. Warm the preserves:
   Reduce the heat to low. Add Peach Jalapeño Preserves to the skillet, stirring gently to coat the sausage. Heat just until the preserves are warmed and glossy — do not boil.

3. Plate and finish:
   Transfer sausage coins to a serving dish. Spoon a little extra preserve over the top and finish each coin with a slice of candied jalapeño.

4. Plate and finish:
   Transfer sausage coins to a serving dish. Spoon a little extra preserve over the top and finish each coin with a slice of candied jalapeño.

Serving Tip

For parties, keep these warm in a small slow cooker and add the candied jalapeño slices just before serving

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🥨 Pepper Jelly Twists

These creamy, sweet-heat bites look elegant but take minutes to make. Perfect on a cheese board or as a quick holiday appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

• Campbell Gardens Red and Green Pepper Jelly

Directions

1. Cut puff pastry into strips.

2. Brush lightly with pepper jelly.

3. Twist and bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes or until golden and crisp.

Serving Tip

Bake ahead and reheat briefly before serving. These are just as good warm or at room temperature.

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With a bit of planning and a few good ingredients, holiday appetizers don’t have to be complicated. These easy recipes bring together sweet and heat in a way that’s familiar, comforting, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting family or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, good food has a way of making the season feel even better.

Michele, The Pepper Lady 🌶️💚❤️
Keeping it sweet with a little kick

Sweet Heat for the Holidays: Plus Recipes & Savings

Hi Friends,

The holidays are fast approaching, and we want to make sure your sweet-with-a-kick favorites arrive in time to celebrate. Below is everything you need to know about shipping, savings, and two festive holiday recipes to share with family and friends.

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HOLIDAY SHIPPING

The last day to order for delivery by Christmas is December 13.
(We choose the best carrier — most holiday packages ship with UPS.) We will still ship whatever the day is.

Shipping early is always best — the season fills up faster than a small-town post office after the Christmas parade!

HOLIDAY DISCOUNT

Use code Holiday15 for 15% off orders of 2–11 jars.
(Orders of 12 jars already include a $12 case discount, so Holiday15 does not apply.)

Valid December 3 – December 31.

Perfect for stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, party trays, and pantry favorites.

We’ll tuck in a free holiday card with your personal message.
Just leave your note at checkout — we’ll take care of the rest with hometown Kansas kindness.

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Candied Jalapeño Sweet Heat Cornbread Stuffing Bites

A cozy Kansas-country appetizer that blends warm cornbread, caramelized jalapeño sweetness, and just enough kick to keep things interesting.

Ingredients:

• 1 pan of cornbread, crumbled

• ½ cup candied jalapeños, chopped

• ¼ cup jalapeño syrup from the jar

• ½ cup cooked crumbled sausage or bacon (optional)

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 2 tbsp chopped green onion

• Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a mini muffin tin.

2. Mix cornbread, candied jalapeños, sausage/bacon, and green onion.

3. Whisk together the egg, melted butter, and jalapeño syrup, then pour over the cornbread mix.

4. Scoop into muffin cups and press lightly.

5. Bake 12–15 minutes, until golden with caramelized edges.

6. Serve warm. They disappear fast!

Winter Berry & Peach Sparkling Thumbprint Bars

A holiday favorite made with our fruit preserves — blueberry, peach, or strawberry — each with a light jalapeño warmth that bakes into the most delicious sweet-heat flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ⅔ cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½–¾ cup preserves (blueberry, peach, or strawberry)

• 2–3 tbsp coarse sugar

• Optional citrus zest: lemon (blueberry), orange (peach), lime (strawberry)

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment.

2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Mix in vanilla and optional zest.

4. Add the flour and salt; stir until a soft dough forms.

5. Press evenly into the pan; sprinkle lightly with coarse sugar.

6. Press shallow “thumbprint” wells into the dough.

7. Fill each with a small spoonful of preserves.

8. Bake 26–30 minutes, until edges are golden and preserves bubble.

9. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

These bars look beautiful on holiday trays and travel perfectly for parties.

Thank you for supporting our small business this holiday season. Whether you're gifting jars to family and friends or keeping a stash for yourself, we are grateful to be part of your celebrations.

Warm holiday wishes,
Michele, The Pepper Lady

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Sweet, spicy, and simple: 3 cozy fall recipes

Bring a little Kansas warmth to your table — our Sweet Heat Supper Menu turns everyday meals into something special. 🌶️

Pepper Fans,

At Campbell Gardens, we believe food should be fun — a little playful, a little creative, and always full of flavor. Cooking with our candied peppers, pickles, peach salsa, and preserves lets you play with your food in the best possible way.

This cozy Kansas-style supper brings together simple ingredients and a dash of “sweet with a little kick.” From the Candied Jalapeño Cornbread Bake to our Warm Red Potato Salad and Strawberry Jalapeño Hand Pies, each dish shows how easily our jars can turn an everyday meal into something special.

So pull out your favorite spoon, open a jar, and see where your imagination takes you. Dinner just got a whole lot more interesting.

What a perfect game day recipe to serve!

🍗 Sticky Pickle Chicken Wings

If you love a mix of sweet, savory, and garlicky heat, these wings are going to be your new favorite. Made with Campbell Gardens Candied Garlic Pickles—a handcrafted Kansas favorite—the syrupy brine caramelizes beautifully when heated, turning into a glossy glaze that clings to every crispy bite.

Each wing is a perfect balance of sweet with a little kick, just like the bold Kansas flavors we’re proud to share. Whether you’re serving them up for a tailgate, backyard dinner, or cozy night in, these Sticky Pickle Chicken Wings bring a taste of homegrown Kansas flavor to every plate.

Whisk together:

• ½ cup Campbell Gardens candied garlic pickle brine

• 1 Tbsp soy sauce

• 1 Tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp chili flakes

Toss with baked or air-fried wings, then broil for 2 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Result: Sweet, garlicky, and sticky wings with a subtle vinegar bite that perfectly balances rich meats.

Taste the Heart of Kansas: Handcrafted Sweet & Spicy Delights

At Campbell Gardens, the best flavors come from passion, tradition, and a deep connection to our roots. As a Kansas-based small business, we take pride in handcrafting every jar of our candied jalapeños, habanero blends, jalapeño preserves, jellies, and candied garlic pickle chips with care.

Kansas is known for its hardworking spirit, rich agricultural heritage, and a love for bold, homemade flavors. We’re proud to be part of this tradition, bringing a unique blend of sweet and spicy to tables across the state and beyond. Whether you’re a fan of heat or just looking to add a little kick to your favorite dishes, our products are the perfect way to support locals while treating your taste buds to something truly special.

A Taste of Kansas in Every Bite

Our products are handcrafted in small batches, ensuring the highest quality and freshest ingredients. We know that Kansas-grown ingredients are some of the best in the country, and we’re committed to celebrating local flavors in everything we make. Every bite reflects our love for bold, handcrafted goodness, from crispy candied garlic pickle chips to sweet and fiery jalapeño jellies.

Recipe Spotlight: Kansas-Style Sweet & Spicy Pulled Pork Sliders

Looking for a way to enjoy the flavors of Kansas in your next meal? Try these Sweet & Spicy Pulled Pork Sliders featuring our candied jalapeños and jalapeño fruit preserves.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder

• 1 cup Campbell Gardens jalapeño fruit preserves

• ½ cup Campbell Gardens candied jalapeños, chopped

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite Kansas-made brand!)

• 12 slider buns

• Optional: Campbell Gardens candied garlic pickle chips for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Add the Flavor: Pour apple cider vinegar and spread the jalapeño fruit preserves over the pork. Sprinkle chopped candied jalapeños on top.

3. Cook Low & Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the pork is tender and shreds quickly.

4. Mix in BBQ Sauce: Remove the pork from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and mix in your favorite Kansas BBQ sauce.

5. Assemble the Sliders: Serve the pulled pork on slider buns, topping with extra candied jalapeños and candied garlic pickle chips for an extra crunch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of sweetness & heat from our handcrafted preserves and jalapeños

• Easy slow cooker meal that’s great for gatherings

• An authentic taste of Kansas, using locally made ingredients

By supporting small businesses like Campbell Gardens, you’re helping keep the heart of Kansas food traditions alive. Whether you’re spreading our jellies on biscuits, adding a kick to sandwiches, or spicing up charcuterie boards, there’s no wrong way to enjoy these handcrafted flavors.

Thank You for Supporting Local!

We’re grateful for every customer who chooses handcrafted, small-batch products over mass-produced alternatives. Your support means we can continue bringing unique, Kansas-made flavors to tables. 

Candied Garlic Pickle Glazed Chicken

Candied Garlic Pickle Glazed Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/4 cup candied garlic pickle brine

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or any preferred herbs)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.

4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the candied garlic pickle brine, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and dried thyme until well combined.

5. Pour the candied garlic pickle glaze over the browned chicken breasts in the skillet. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the glaze.

6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°.

7. While the chicken is baking, you can baste it with the glaze from the skillet a couple of times during the cooking process to enhance the flavor.

8. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.

9. Serve the candied garlic pickle glazed chicken hot, spooning some of the remaining glaze from the skillet over the top as a sauce.

The caramelized brine from the candied garlic pickles adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken, creating a delicious glaze. This recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables or a side of rice. Enjoy!

Sweet, Spicy, and Creamy Avocado Candied Salsa. 🥑🌞

Ingredients:

1. Candied Garlic Pickles (chopped)

2. Candied Jalapeños (chopped)

3. 2 ripe tomatoes (diced)

4. 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

5. 1 medium red onion (minced)

6. A bunch of fresh cilantro (chopped)

7. Juice of 1 lime

8. Salt to taste

9. 1 or 2 ripe avocados (diced)

Directions:

1. Take a big bowl and toss in your chopped Candied Garlic Pickles, Candied Jalapenos, diced tomatoes, and minced red onion.

2. Now, it's flavor bomb time! Add the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt. Give it a good mix.

3. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to make the flavors cozy.

4. Right before serving, stir in your diced avocados. We're in flavor town now, folks!

Voila! Get your chips ready or grab a spoon – this sweet, spicy, and creamy salsa is a one-way ticket to taste bud heaven. Stay cool, stay spicy, and most importantly, stay full! 😋 #AvocadoHeaven #SweetSpicySalsa #SummerRecipes

🔵🔴 Sweet 'n' Spicy Jalapeño Coleslaw 🔴🔵

This Sweet 'n' Spicy Jalapeño Coleslaw will add a bang to your barbecue like a firework lights up the night sky! Whether hosting a backyard barbecue or attending a potluck picnic, this side dish will surely win rave reviews! 🍽💥

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar OR the brine from our jar of candied jalapeños for an extra kick

• 1 tbsp honey

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup of our candied jalapeños, finely chopped

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and red bell pepper.

2. Mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well blended in a smaller bowl.

3. Pour this dressing over the coleslaw mix and toss to coat.

4. Stir in our sweet and fiery Candied Jalapeños, giving it the perfect 4th of July kick!

5. Refrigerate for an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Candied Jalapeño Peach Preserve Glazed Chicken

Candied Jalapeño Peach Preserve Glazed Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 cup jalapeño peach preserves

• 2 fresh peaches, pitted and diced

• 2 fresh peaches, pitted and sliced in half and grill for 5-10 minutes

• 1/4 cup diced red onion

• 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced (optional, for extra heat)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

Instructions:

1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken to the skillet, cook until golden brown on both sides and cook through, about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced peaches, red onion, and chopped candied jalapeños in the same skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the peaches and onions have softened.

4. Stir in the jalapeno peach preserves and lime juice. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the preserves have melted into a glaze.

5. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the glaze over each piece. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is well coated and heated.

This dish is great served over pasta, rice, or quinoa to soak up the flavorful glaze. Enjoy your Fourth of July with this spicy and sweet dish!

Here's a simple, yet delightful recipe for Pickle-Jalapeno Beef Burgers with Sweet Preserve Topping!🍔

Ingredients:

1. 1 lb ground beef
2. 1/4 cup finely chopped pickles (or jalapenos if you're feeling spicy!)
3. Salt and pepper to taste
4. Your favorite burger buns
5. Toppings: Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, etc.

Sweet Preserve Topping:

1. 1/2 cup of your choice of our jalapeño preserves (strawberry, peach, or blueberry)
2. 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Mix the ground beef, chopped pickles (or jalapeños), salt, and pepper together. Shape into patties.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the patties for 4- 5 minutes on each side or until they're done to your liking.
3. While the burgers are grilling, mix your preserve and Dijon mustard together to make the sweet preserve topping.
4. Assemble your burgers with your favorite toppings and drizzle the sweet preserve mixture on top before putting on the final bun!

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Hope you enjoy this delicious twist on a summer classic. 🍔🌞

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#SummerBBQ #PickleJalapenoBurger #SweetAndSpicyChallenge

Hamburger made with Campbell’s ground Pickles or Jalapeños.

Campbells Peach Jalapeño BBQ Sauce

Peach Jalapeño BBQ Chicken, anyone? Try this incredible, tangy, sweet, spicy BBQ sauce made with our Peach Jalapeño Preserves. A perfect dish for your summer cookout. #SpicySweetSummer 🍑🔥🍗

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of Peach Jalapeño Preserves

• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup of ketchup

• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce begins to simmer.

3. Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Allow the sauce to cool before using it on your BBQ chicken. You can also store it in the refrigerator for future use.

Please adjust the ingredients to your taste. Enjoy your cooking!

Here's one more suggestion for using Campbell's candied jalapenos!

Candied Jalapeno and Bacon Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of bread

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped candied jalapenos

• 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or a griddle over medium heat.

2. Spread 1 tbsp of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.

3. On the other side of four slices of bread, sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, chopped candied jalapenos, and crumbled bacon. Season with salt and black pepper.

4. Place the remaining slices of bread, butter side up, on top of the cheese and bacon mixture to form a sandwich.

5. Place the sandwiches in the preheated skillet or griddle and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

6. Remove from the heat and let the sandwiches cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy your delicious Candied Jalapeno and Bacon Grilled Cheese!

New Location in Pittsburg, Kansas

Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store has a new location!!! They are at 1504 N Broadway St., Pittsburg, Kansas. The BEST Pork Rinds ever!!!

"Attention all heat-seekers and pickle fanatics in Pittsburg, KS! We have some spicy and sweet news to share with you. Our famous candied jalapenos, habaneros, and ghost peppers have found a new home at Perry's Pork Rinds & Country Store. But that's not all! They've also added some garlic pickles, jalapeno preserves, and jellies to the mix, so you can now enjoy some lip-smackin', tongue-tingling flavors under one roof. We're sure your taste buds will thank you, but we can't make any promises about the aftermath. So head to Perry's and add some sizzle to your snacks!"

Chicken Fried Rice with Jalapeño Strawberry Preserves

Who would have thought? The extra addition made every bite a blast of flavors. I added soy sauce then right in the middle a dollop of our Jalapeño Strawberry Preseres. Spicy, Salty, and sweet. How could you go wrong? Thinkiing the next time I'm trying the Blueberry!

Pepper Filled Appetizer Hearts

Prep 15 MIN ; Total 50 MIN ; Servings 24

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups Original Bisquick™ Mix
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup garlic-and-herbs spreadable cheese (from 6.5-oz container)
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped Campbell Gardens candied jalapeños
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Steps:
In a medium bowl, stir Bisquick mix, oregano, and water until the mixture comes together.

On work, surface sprinkled with additional Bisquick mix, knead the dough five times. Roll dough into 13 x 10-inch rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.

In a small bowl, mix cheese, jalapeños, and bell pepper. Spread mixture evenly over dough.

Carefully roll the long edges of the dough to meet in the center. Place on a cookie sheet lined with cooking parchment paper. Freeze for 10 to 15 minutes or until firm.

Meanwhile, heat the oven to 400°F. Spray a large cookie sheet with cooking spray.

Transfer the dough to the cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut dough into 1/2-inch slices. Place slices, cut sides down, on sprayed cookie sheet. Slightly pinch the base of the heart into a point—brush butter over the hearts.

Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

( adaptation of a recipe from Betty Crocker .com )

Chicken Gumbo

Chicken Gumbo

Three tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
One medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into thin strips
One medium yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into thin strips
One medium white onion, medium dice
Four medium garlic cloves minced
2 oz. Campbell Gardens candied jalapeños
One teaspoon of dried oregano
Kosher salt
4 cups water
1 (10-ounce) package of frozen cut okra
8 ounces andouille sausage, cut on the bias into 1/2-inch-thick slices
One roasted chicken or store-bought rotisserie bird, meat removed and shredded by hand (about 4 cups)
Freshly ground black pepper
Two green onions, trimmed and sliced, for garnishing
Cornbread, for serving

Directions:
Heat the oil in a large, shallow, heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the flour and cook, constantly whisking, until this mixture (called a roux) is smooth and turns medium gold, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Raise the heat to medium and stir in the bell peppers, jalapeños, onion, garlic, and oregano—season with a big pinch of salt. Cook, stirring from time to time until the peppers have softened, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Add the water, okra, and sausage, and raise the heat to medium-high. Bring to a boil, stir in the shredded chicken, and season with black pepper. Warm the chicken thoroughly for about 2 minutes. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into warmed bowls, sprinkle with the green onions, and serve with cornbread.

( adaptation of a recipe from Martha Stewart )

Mr. Campbell's Cheeseburger Soup

Mr. Campbell’s Cheeseburger Soup

Mr. Campbell, over the years, has played with this recipe, and finally, in 2012, he got it right! Never been tweaked since, and that’s saying a lot. This recipe even made it into our first Cookbook. It’s one of my favorite wintertime soups. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef

1 pound of bacon

1/4 cup Campbell Gardens candied jalapenos, chopped

One medium white onion, chopped

1 cup of carrots, shredded

Two stalks of celery, chopped

One teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

4 cups of chicken broth

4 cups of potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes, store in a pan of water until ready to add

Four tablespoons of butter

1/4 cup of flour

1 1/2 cups of milk

1 pound of Velveeta Cheese, cubed - or a pound of home-shredded mild cheddar cheese

1/2 cup of sour cream

Directions:

Cut bacon into small pieces and brown in a skillet until crisp. Drain on a paper towel. Brown the hamburger in a large skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Drain off any grease. Add candied jalapenos, onion, carrots, and celery. On low heat, sauté until onions are soft. Stir in the potatoes, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender. In a medium saucepan, melt butter, whisk in the flour, and cook until the flour starts to brown. Slowly add the milk with a whisk, constantly stirring until the mixture is hot and bubbly. Remove from heat and slowly add the cubed cheese, stirring until all the cheese is melted. Add the melted cheese slowly into the hamburger mixture and blend. Stir in the sour cream and heat until the soup is ready to serve.

Add the crispy bacon pieces and a spoonful of finely chopped candied jalapenos to top the bowl off. Serve with warm crusty bread.

A Delivery

I made a delivery to Leonard Meat in Topeka, Kansas. It seems the candied jalapenos are finding their spot with their customers.

Beef Sticks are something they offer with many, many flavors. I tried the Maple and the Jalapeno/Cheese flavors. So good with crackers, cheese, and candied jalapenos on the side!

On this visit, I picked up their Blue Cheese Beef patties. LeAnn suggested adding bacon and brioche buns. The blueberry, white cheddar cheese she assured me makes a delicious grilled cheese. I have to admit I was thinking of adding bacon and candied jalapenos. SO YUM!

I enjoy opening up a new location for our candied treats, and even more so when I get to go back and restock. When I’m on the road making deliveries and stocking shelves, I always carry a cooler bag or two for those “just in case” I see something I can’t resist.

I admire their commitment to supporting other local businesses. It’s a trickle-down effect and a win, win for those who pursue our passion. I’ve seen it in every specialty shop I call on, from butcher markets, specialty shops, and local grocery stores to liquor stores.

Maintaining the dream would not be possible without YOU, driving out of your way, and being willing to pay a little more for a quality product. Your loyalty to a local brand or small business is the bulletproof sure deal of helping our dreams come true. Telling your friends, sharing, and being our ambassador is the biggest thing you can ever do for us. Word of mouth is how our dreams become a sustainable reality.

Jack's Baked Beans

Jack always cooks with our candied jalapeños. This is how he has always made his baked beans, and I have to say they are always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!