3 and 1 soap

CANDIED JALAPENO RECIPE – CANNING COWBOY CANDY!

We’re big fans of pickled jalapeños and make them every year. While my husband loves to put them on just about everything, I prefer a sweeter twist. That’s where this candied jalapeño recipe comes in—it’s my go-to! Sweet, spicy, and absolutely delicious, it’s perfect spread over cream cheese. This recipe is incredibly simple, even for novice canners, and a fantastic way to preserve an abundance of fresh, ripe jalapeños!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1.5 cups apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 3.5 cups white granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seed
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 pounds jalapeño peppers (about 28 large peppers)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Prepare the Peppers: Wash, rinse, and dry the jalapeños. Slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. (Tip: Wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat.)
  • Prep the Jars and Canner: Fill a large pot or water bath canner with boiling water. Keep jars hot in the simmering water until ready to use. Wash lids in warm, soapy water, and set them aside with the bands.
  • Make the Brine: Combine all ingredients except the jalapeños in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar and prevent it from burning.
  • Cook the Jalapeños: Add the jalapeño slices to the boiling brine. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the jalapeños turn dark glossy green and absorb some of the brine.
  • Fill the Jars: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the hot jalapeños into hot, sterile jars, leaving 1 inch of headspace at the top. Pour the hot brine over the jalapeños, maintaining the 1-inch headspace.
  • Remove Air Bubbles: Run a butter knife or non-metallic utensil along the inside edges of the jars to release trapped air bubbles. Wipe the rims with a damp paper towel to ensure a clean seal. Place lids on jars and twist the bands until they’re finger-tight.
  • Process the Jars: Use a jar lifter to place the jars into the boiling water bath or canner, ensuring the water covers the lids by at least 1 inch. Process for 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude as necessary. Turn off the heat and let jars stand in the hot water for 5 minutes.
  • Cool and Store: Remove the jars and place them on a cooling rack. Let them cool undisturbed for 24 hours. Check the seals—lids should not flex when pressed in the center. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Notes: Save the leftover brine! It’s perfect for making a quick mustard sauce to pair with chicken or ham. 

DIY CRACKET FOOT AND HEEL REPAIR BALM

It sounds like the extreme weather has really been tough on your skin! Here’s a possible rewrite for your introduction:

“Living in a place with hot summers and cold winters, we’ve gotten used to the seasonal changes. However, this winter has been especially harsh, with many nights dipping below 0°C, which is unusual for us. As a result, our skin has been much drier than normal. My husband and son started experiencing cracked hands, and my son’s feet also became a concern. I had been using commercial hand soap, but as soon as I switched to my homemade DIY Natural Hand Soap, their hands started improving. To help with my son’s feet, I created this DIY Cracked Foot and Heel Balm.”

Cracked Foot & Heel Balm

Ingredients:

  • 40g shea butter
  • 40g beeswax
  • 100g coconut oil
  • 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
  • 10 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
  • ¼ tsp Vitamin E oil

As we endure cold winters, our skin often gets drier than usual. This winter has been especially harsh with many nights below 0°C, leading to cracked hands and feet for my husband and son. I found a solution by switching to my DIY Natural Hand Soap, which helped their hands heal, and created this homemade DIY Cracked Foot and Heel Balm to address the dryness and cracks on my son’s feet.

Key Ingredients & Benefits:

  • Frankincense Essential Oil – Known for its ability to protect, regenerate, and repair skin cells, frankincense has antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that may speed up the healing of minor wounds, insect bites, and rashes.
  • Lavender Essential Oil – Lavender promotes blood circulation, has anti-inflammatory properties, soothes the skin, and offers temporary pain relief.
  • Tea Tree Essential Oil – Tea tree oil is fantastic for skin healing with its antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps relieve itching, redness, and inflammation.

For the best results, apply daily to keep your skin moisturized and heal cracked heels and feet.

Method for Cracked Foot & Heel Balm:

  1. Add coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax to a microwavable glass jug or double boiler.
  2. Slowly melt the ingredients, stirring frequently.
  3. Let the mixture cool slightly before adding the essential oils and Vitamin E oil.
  4. Mix thoroughly and pour into containers. I used both lip gloss tubes and a jar for easier application.

Cracked Foot & Heel Roller Bottle

For a more convenient option, I also created a Cracked Foot & Heel Roller Bottle. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 3 drops Oregano Essential Oil
  • 5 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
  • 5 drops Lemon Essential Oil
  • 5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
  • Fractionated coconut oil to top up a 10 ml roller bottle.

Roll this on your feet morning and night, and add socks for best results.

CONCLUSION

Creating your own DIY skincare products not only ensures you’re using natural, safe ingredients, but it also allows you to customize them to suit your specific needs. The DIY Cracked Foot and Heel Balm and Roller Bottle are perfect examples of how simple, natural ingredients like essential oils, coconut oil, and shea butter can work wonders for dry, cracked skin. By using these remedies daily, you can nourish, heal, and protect your skin during harsh weather conditions. Whether you’re tackling dry feet, cracked hands, or simply looking for a natural way to care for your skin, homemade solutions can be both effective and rewarding. Embrace the power of DIY self-care and enjoy the benefits of healthier, smoother skin all season long.