I have never had agarita jelly! That one sounds like something I'd like to try too! Since I am not working this summer I am determined to scour the countryside for prickly pears too. I like to make jelly from them but they are the pickiest sort of fruit to work with. Last year I got some but you really have to use them the day you pick them or they turn nasty. And they are only good to pick for about 2 or 3 days so you have to be right there at the right time and be ready to do it!
If you make jelly you will probably start to like doing it. Funny thing is, I don't even eat jelly much. I prolly don't finish a pint a year. But, for some inconceiveable reason I just love making the stuff! Kinda of an addictive hobby IMO.
If you like jalapeno jelly I also have this incredibly awesome recipe for apricot-jalapeno jelly if you want it. That one is my friend Marty's favorite of the jellies that I make. Besides just eatin' it, she uses it as a glaze over anything she cooks on the grill. It is really nice to make unusual stuff like that and have someone appreciate it so much! :-)
The only time I had agarita jelly was store-bought (from The Texas Store in the mall) but it was good!! I like prickly pears too (arent the fruit called 'tunas'?) I tried making a drink out of them, but soon discovered how seedy they are on the inside. But they have such a refreshing good flavor, I'd almost be willing to go through the effort to extract juice from them again.
I'd love that recipe!! Thank you! Although, to be honest, I have never been fond of apricots. My tastes tend towards the tangy/bitter/not-so-sweet stuff...and I am about the same as you when it comes to eating jelly...I am lucky to finish a jar in a year. Hubby loves mustang grape jelly and we have a surplus of the stuff. I am not terribly fond of grapes (unless its been converted to wine!!)
Have you ever grown elderflower? I am not real sure how it would do here on the coast, but it is the prettiest tasting herb...
all the prep work is what has been intimidating for me. I remember my mother spending hours in the kitchen just sterilizing all the jars and how hot it would get...not to mention the mess. I do good to clean up after a normal dinner.
do jalapenos go well with peaches?