Red Hot Relish

Summer days are winding down and we are desperate to get in a final few grilled suppers. We tried Aidells new Spicy Mango with Jalapeno chicken sausage and it needed just a touch of sweet crunch. This relish does the trick. I remembered my Aunt Della's red hot candy pickles (a recipe I tried last year and the beautifully bright red color tricked most tasters into believing they were eating beets rather than cucumbers) and thought they were just campy and clever enough to add to the relish brine. 

Quick Pickled Apple Relish
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Cinnamon and cloves to taste
12- 20 red hot candies (optional)
2 cups finely diced tart apple (skin removed)
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
2 finely diced red chili or jalapeno peppers

Bring water, sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, spices, and red hots to boil in small sauce pan. Remove from heat and whisk until candies are melted. Pour over apple, onion, and peppers. Chill at least one half hour.