Serrano Chile

[Annod]

I was just wondering, can I use serrano chilies instead of scotch bonnet peppers when making Jerk receipes?

[Gail]

My gut reaction was to say of course you can-- only that you're going to end up with a less fiery result. However, here's what my sources have to say:

"...an acceptable subsitute is the commonly available jalapeño. ALthough much milder in flavor (a quarter to half the heat), the jalapeño is similarly thick-skinned; in recpes that call for cooking the whole pepper in the gravy or soup and then removing before serving, the thick skin prevents the pepper from falling apart..."

(From: Island Cooking: Recipes from the Caribbean)

and another of my books states:

"...it can be replaced with any other hot pepper such as they serrano or jalapeño."

(From: The Sugar Reef Caribbean Cookbook)

So there you go!

[Annod]

Wow! Thanks Gail. No wonder your the Bulletin Board Goddess!