Summer’s Sweet Heat: A Smoked Cherry Habanero Hot Sauce Recipe

The Perfect Summer Hot Sauce

This recipe combines the sweetness of fresh cherries with the fiery heat of habanero peppers, all wrapped up in a smoky package that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. With its deep, rich flavor, this hot sauce is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, veggies, and even as a dip for crudités.

Gearing Up

Before we dive into the recipe, a few important notes:

• Habanero peppers are notoriously spicy, so be sure to wear latex gloves when handling them to avoid any, ahem, “burning” sensations.
• You’ll also need a stovetop smoker to infuse that smoky goodness into your hot sauce.

Smoking and Blending

To get started:

1. Add wood chips to your stovetop smoker and heat it up over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the pitted cherries and whole habanero peppers (or peppers, depending on your desired level of heat).
3. Smoke for 12 minutes, then remove the cherries and habaneros and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Cut open the habaneros and remove the seeds – be careful not to touch your face or eyes!
5. Add the cooled cherries, seeded habaneros, kosher salt, and cider vinegar to a blender.
6. Process until the mixture is silky smooth, then strain it through a medium-mesh strainer three times to remove any remaining solids.

The Final Touches

Transfer your hot sauce to a container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to two weeks. As you wait for the flavors to meld together, imagine the possibilities:

• Drizzling it over grilled steaks
• Mixing it into Greek yogurt for a smoked cherry dip
• Adding a dash to your favorite summer salads

With its perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy, this hot sauce is sure to become your go-to condiment for the warmer months. So go ahead, give it a try, and taste the heat of summer!