jalapenos

Kevin West's simple, spicy carrots were inspired by the many taco stands scattered across Los Angeles, where West lives. He uses the tangy, crunchy carrots as a complement for tacos, and also as an ingenious substitute for bacon in a club sandwich.

Homemade ketchup is a recipe that shines best when made using flavorful homegrown tomatoes harvested straight from the garden. I’ve prepared it using both fresh-off-the-vine tomatoes, and tomatoes I’ve skinned, de-seeded, and stored in the freezer...

Crisp slices of red onion are marinated in a mixture of citrus juice, white wine vinegar, salt, pepper and allspice until tart and tender. Charred jalapeño and bay leaves are added to the mix to bump up the savory spice factor.

It's easy to create an infusion of my two favorite things . . . tequila and hot peppers! Yum! Make sure to wear gloves when handling hot peppers . . . you can thank me later!