Sorghum Serrano Hot Sauce

Every fall there is a famous local festival here in Blairsville called The Sorghum Festival. It was established in 1969 as a way to preserve the sorghum making process and share a great time with the community.  The Festival is held every year on the second and third weekends in October. For more information on the Blairsville Sorghum Festival go to - https://blairsvillesorghumfestival.com

Our Sorghum Serrano is a mildly spicy delight that will tantalize your taste buds. Made with peaches, serrano peppers, and sorghum syrup from the annual festival.  Our Sorgham Serrano hot sauce brings together the perfect balance of fruity sweetness, spicy heat, and deep richness. Here are some creative ways to use this peachy, spicy sauce:

1. Grilled Meats and Fish

• Grilled Chicken or Pork: Use this hot sauce as a glaze or marinade for grilled chicken, pork chops, or pork ribs. The sweetness of the peaches and sorghum syrup complements the savory meat, while the serrano peppers add a spicy kick.
• Fish and Shrimp: Drizzle over grilled or roasted fish like salmon or trout, or on shrimp skewers for a fruity-spicy contrast. The sauce can enhance the delicate flavors of seafood with a touch of sweetness and heat.

2. Barbecue Dishes

• Ribs and Pulled Pork: The fruity sweetness of peaches combined with the rich, smoky heat from serranos makes this an excellent BBQ sauce. Use it on ribs, pulled pork, or brisket for a sweet and spicy finish.
• Burgers and Hot Dogs: Add a spoonful of this sauce to burgers, hot dogs, or sausages for a flavorful twist.

3. Tacos and Burritos

• Taco Fillings: Add a little of the hot sauce to tacos with grilled chicken, beef, carnitas, or fish for a fresh, sweet-spicy kick.
• Burritos and Quesadillas: Use it as a topping for burritos or quesadillas. It pairs well with fillings like grilled veggies, steak, chicken, or beans.

4. Grilled Vegetables

• Drizzle the hot sauce over grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, corn on the cob, and mushrooms. The sweetness and heat will complement the smoky flavors from the grill.
• Sweet Potatoes and Roasted Root Vegetables: Use the sauce to glaze roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or parsnips for a sweet and spicy glaze.

5. Egg Dishes

• Scrambled Eggs or Omelets: Add a little sauce to scrambled eggs, omelets, or poached eggs. The peachy sweetness and spicy heat elevate the flavors of the eggs.
• Huevos Rancheros or Shakshuka: Drizzle over these classic egg dishes for an extra layer of fruity heat.

6. Pizza

• Use it as a drizzle on pizza for a spicy-sweet kick. It pairs wonderfully with toppings like grilled chicken, sausage, or bacon, and it can also complement a veggie pizza with roasted peppers and onions.
• Flatbreads or Naan: Drizzle over flatbreads or naan bread, especially with grilled meats or fresh herbs for a flavorful touch.

7. Dipping Sauce

• Serve it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken tenders, spring rolls, or fried mozzarella sticks. The balance of sweetness from the peaches and the heat from the serranos makes it irresistible.
• Fried Foods: Pair it with fried green tomatoes, fried chicken, or onion rings for a sweet-spicy contrast that cuts through the richness.

8. Salads

• Salad Dressing: Mix the hot sauce with olive oil and a touch of vinegar to create a unique salad dressing. It pairs well with leafy greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens.
• Fruit Salad: Drizzle it over a fruit salad, particularly with tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or watermelon. The peach flavor will complement the freshness of the fruit, while the serranos bring a surprising heat.

9. Sandwiches and Wraps

• Use the sauce as a condiment for sandwiches or wraps. It works well with grilled chicken, turkey, or roast beef. It also pairs nicely with veggie wraps, adding a balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
• Fried Chicken Sandwich: Drizzle it over a fried chicken sandwich for a perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and sweet.

10. Cheese Pairings

• Cheese Platter: Pair it with sharp cheeses like blue cheese, cheddar, or goat cheese. The sweetness of the peaches and the heat from the serranos enhance the flavors of the cheese.
• Grilled Cheese: Add a little of this sauce to a grilled cheese sandwich for a sweet and spicy twist.

11. Pasta and Stir-fries

• Pasta: Use it to top pasta dishes, especially those with grilled chicken, sausage, or vegetables. The sauce can also be used as a base for a spicy-sweet pasta sauce.
• Stir-fries: Add it to stir-fried vegetables or noodles for a fruity, spicy layer of flavor.

12. Cocktails

• Bloody Mary or Michelada: Add a splash of the hot sauce to a Bloody Mary or a michelada to give the drink a unique, fruity heat.
• Spicy Margaritas: Use a few drops of the sauce in a margarita for a peachy, spicy twist that complements the tequila and lime.

13. Ice Cream or Desserts

• For a unique dessert pairing, drizzle a small amount of this hot sauce over vanilla ice cream, peach cobbler, or fruit sorbet. The combination of heat and sweet can create a memorable flavor contrast.
• Grilled Peaches: Brush the sauce over halved peaches and grill them for a warm, sweet-spicy dessert.

This peach-serrano-sorghum syrup hot sauce is incredibly versatile and can elevate both savory and sweet dishes. It offers a dynamic balance of fruity sweetness and spicy heat, making it a fantastic addition to a variety of cuisines and meals!

What is Sorghum Syrup you ask! Sorghum syrup is a thick, dark liquid sweetener made from the juice of sweet sorghum cane. It is similar in appearance and consistency to molasses, but it has a more complex flavor that is often described as earthy, woody, or even smoky. Sorghum syrup is a good source of iron and B vitamins, and it is also a lower-glycemic index sweetener than sugar.

Sorghum syrup is a traditional sweetener in the Southern United States, where it is used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast foods. It is also used in baking, in barbecue sauces, and in marinades. Sorghum syrup can be substituted for molasses in most recipes, and it can also be used as a sweetener in coffee and tea.

Here is a link to some of the health benefits of Sorghum.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sorghum