Quick Pickled Peppers

Ingredients

• ½ lb. jalapeños or hot banana peppers (approx. 10) or poblano peppers (choose larger jalapeños for less spice)
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar, white wine vinegar, or distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp honey or other sweetener
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. First, prepare your peppers: Wear gloves to prevent your fingers from feeling burned. For less spicy pickles, use a paring knife to remove the jalapeño membranes and seeds before slicing. Slice the pickles into thin rings with a mandolin or knife. If you’re still concerned about the spice level of the pickles, run the sliced jalapeños under running water in a colander to try to knock off any remaining seeds. Slice off the top of the bell pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. Chop the bell pepper. 
2. Combine the prepared peppers and smashed garlic in a 28-ounce (1.75 pints) or larger glass jar. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, honey and salt. Bring the mixture close to a boil on the stove, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sweetener into the liquid. Remove from heat and carefully pour the liquid over the peppers. Use a butter knife to pock down the peppers so they all fit and there aren’t any hidden air pockets. 
3. Let the pickles cool to room temperature in the jar, then screw on a lid and refrigerate the pickles. Depending on how thinly you sliced the peppers, they could be ready to eat immediately, or might need a couple of days in the refrigerator before they taste fully pickled (just sample to find out!). They are best when relatively fresh, but keep well for at least a month.