Pineapple, Mint, and Jalapeño Cough Drops
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:
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.
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.
Boil to Candy Phase:
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.
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.
Mold the Drops:
Pour the mixture into silicone molds or onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and coated in cornstarch.
Allow to Set:
Let the cough drops sit at room temperature for at least an hour or until completely set.
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.
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.
