Is it for breakfast ?

So many people ask me how to use chilli jam I thought a page to explain would be a good idea. It's uses really are just limited by your imagination, but here's a few ideas to get you going.

Which chilli jam you use and how much you use are completely down to you and your palate. Experiment a little and you'll soon find the right amount to hit the spot.

Sandwiches

This is probably the first thing I did with chilli jam and for a fair old while I probably didn't eat much else other than ham, jam and mayo butties. Chilli jam warms a cold meat sandwich gorgeously and is fantastic with cheese. Mayo gives it a gorgeous twist and completely changes the flavour. As for my Saturday morning bacon butty... it just wouldn't be the same without chilli jam!

Marinades

Chilli jam gives meat and fish a lovely flavour, the chilli, garlic and ginger infuse the meat whilst the sugar content gives it a lovely glaze. If you're cooking something for a few hours, like a ham, then put the chilli jam on for the last 30 mins or so otherwise the sugar will burn and we don't want that.

Barbeques

Need I explain? Chilli Jam is made for the barby, especially the smoky chipotle and oak smoked garlic jam. Anything about to go on or that has just come off a barby is brought to life by chilli jam, in burgers, mixed with mayo as a dip, on chicken drumsticks, pork chops.... the list goes on! Just make sure you've stocked up because when your barby guests taste chilli jam for the first time you might find an empty jar pretty soon.

Dips

Try mixing chilli jam half and half with mayonnaise, cottage cheese, yoghurt, creme fraiche or even plain old salad cream. This makes a gorgeous dip, the flavour and heat of the jam completely mellows leaving you with one of the most moreish things you can dip breadsticks into. If you want it warmer, simple, just add more jam. If you've seen me at a show, you've probably tried this.

Stir Frys

One of my favourite ways for quick and easy loveliness!! Just mix 3 or 4 teaspoons of your favourite chilli jam into what you're about to stir fry. Leave to marinade for 30-45 minutes. Stir fry as normal. I find that chicken, pork or seafood works best for this but don't let me hold you back from experimenting. The chilli, garlic and ginger infuse your food giving a gorgeous flavour. My favourite is with prawns and squid but I've never managed to make one that I didn't love.

Pasta or noodles

When you've just drained your noodles or pasta, turn a couple of teaspoons of chilli jam through them. You'll end up with a lovely tingle of chilli through every mouthful with the flavours filling out your culinary creation.

Spice up soups, casseroles, sauces or gravy

Bring a little zing into your culinary thing. Add a few spoons to the pan while you're simmering.

Chilli Chicken

A great Idea I was given recently after selling Chilli Jams at The 3 Horses in Keighley. Put chicken breasts into a sandwich bag with a few tablespoons of chilli jam, seal and make sure the chicken is well coated before leaving in the fridge overnight to marinade. Cook in a covered roasting tray taking the cover off for the last few minutes to crisp up. Gorgeous Chilli Chicken, done!

Now it's your turn

I know this list is going to keep on growing so share your genius with all the other chilli jam man fans. Email your ideas to recipes@thechillijamman.com and I'll add them to the list, after I've tried them a few times first that is. I'll look forward to hearing from you all. Join the Chilli Jam Man group on Facebook for some great special offers and all the news as it happens.