HOMEMADE TABASCO SAUCE 

After the Tabasco peppers have ripened to the perfect color of red, pick them from the plant, wash, and carefully remove the stems and green caps. Chop about 24 peppers and place them in a saucepan. It’s always a good idea to wear kitchen gloves whenever handling fresh peppers.

Add about 1 1/2 cups or more of white vinegar to the pan of chopped Tabasco peppers. Mix in 1 teaspoon of salt. Heat the mixture until it just begins to boil and then turn heat down. Simmer for 5-7 minutes. Allow the pepper and vinegar mixture to cool completely.

Carefully pour the pepper mixture into a blender. Make sure the lid is on tight and puree. Pour the mixture into a jar and tighten the lid. Place the jar in the refrigerator and allow it to steep for 3 weeks.

Strain the mixture and use a pestle or other kitchen utensil to separate all the liquid from the pepper seeds and pulp.

Pour the Tabasco sauce into a bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Properly refrigerated, the hot sauce should keep indefinitely. Use it to spice up any recipe that needs more zip like egg dishes, Spanish rice, salsas and curries. Homemade Tabasco sauce also makes delicious Buffalo wings.