Pineapple, Mint, and Jalapeño Cough Drops

If you’re looking for a natural way to kick your cough and soothe your throat with a bit of extra spice, this Pineapple Jalapeño recipe is the perfect remedy. With the anti-inflammatory power of pineapple and the warming heat of jalapeño, this recipe offers both a unique flavor and effective relief. Even better, it's versatile! You can make these into cough drops or, if you don’t have a candy thermometer, simply reduce the mixture by half to create a soothing syrup. It’s an easy, multipurpose recipe to help you feel better in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water

• Pineapple chunks (enough to yield 1/4 cup when blended)

• Fresh mint leaves or mint tea bags

• Juice of 1 lime

• Equal parts honey (to be determined based on the quantity of fruit juice obtained)

• 1 tablespoon slippery elm powder

• 1 full dropper of wild thyme extract

• 1/4 teaspoon eucalyptus oil (optional)

Use a sheet pan lined in parchment or individual silicone molds.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Pineapple and Mint Tea Solution:

   • In a small saucepan, steep fresh mint leaves or mint tea bags in 1/2 cup of water to create a strong mint tea solution.

   • In a blender, blend pineapple chunks to extract the juice. Strain if necessary to remove pulp.

2. Create the Base:

   • Combine the mint tea solution, pineapple juice, and lime juice in a saucepan.

   • Add honey in equal parts to the quantity of liquid. Stir continuously until well combined.

3. Boil to Candy Phase or make a syrup by reducing the mixture to half

   • Using a candy thermometer, bring the mixture to either the candy phase (300 degrees Fahrenheit) or the taffy phase (290 degrees Fahrenheit), depending on your desired consistency.

4. Add Cayenne Pepper and Soothing Agents:

   • Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove it from heat.

   • Quickly stir in cayenne pepper, slippery elm powder, wild thyme extract, and eucalyptus oil.

5. Mold the Drops:

   • Pour the mixture into silicone molds or onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and coated in cornstarch.

6. Allow to Set:

   • Let the cough drops sit at room temperature for at least an hour or until completely set.

7. Coat with Cornstarch:

   • For storage, transfer the cough drops to a bowl containing cornstarch.

   • Shake the bowl until the cough drops are fully coated with cornstarch.

8. Storage:

   • Keep the coated cough drops in a cool place to maintain their consistency.

Enjoy these homemade Pineapple, Mint Tea, and Cayenne Pepper Cough Drops as a refreshing and soothing remedy for coughs and sore throats. Adjust the japaño to your spice preference. You can even remove the seeds if you prefer.