Austin Slowburn Habanero Rosemary Jelly

Available at
Central Market (4001 N. Lamar, 206-1000; 4477 S. Lamar, 899-4300),
Whole Foods (Sixth & Lamar, 476-1206; 9607 Research, 345-5003),
Sambet’s Cajun Market (8650 Spicewood Springs Rd., 258-6410), and
Grape Vine Market (7936 Great Northern, 323-5900)

This wonderful, sweet-piquant herbal jelly from Austin Slowburn is so popular that they often receive phone calls from customers asking whether they can order it directly. “We tell them it’s only available to be shipped by the case, and more often than not their answer is, ‘Great, sure, send us the case,'” says Austin Slowburn co-owner Jill Lewis. This jelly is perfect anytime the combination of hot and sweet flavors is necessary. Jill likes to toss freshly grilled quails or shrimp into a bowl of habanero rosemary jelly just before serving. She also mixes it in a fabulous flambéed fruit with a crumbled biscotti concoction that she uses as an ice-cream topping. She also likes it straight out of the jar on top of cheesecake. I think it’s wonderful aside baked Brie, or simply with plain cream cheese on croissant crackers. And although it’s still blisteringly hot outside, it’s not too early to start thinking turkey. This jelly would be a great glaze for carrots or sweet potatoes and would make a great relish for the turkey instead of, or along with, the traditional cranberry sauce.

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Mexico City native Claudia Alarcón has made Austin home since 1984. She worked her way through college in the local restaurant industry, graduating from the University of Texas in 1999. She has been a Chronicle contributor for 15 years and presents lectures and workshops on topics related to the foodways of Mexico, both locally and internationally.