Whether you like it spicy or mild, you will love how easy these Refrigerator Pickled Pepper Rings are to make...

While hanging out at my parents' the weekend before last, my dad begged me to take home some of the peppers on his pepper plant. He had more than he knew what to do with and thought maybe I could help lighten up his pepper load for him. The exchange went something like this...

Dad: "Hey, you want to grab a bag and take whatever peppers are on this plant home with you?"

Me: "Maybe... how hot are they?"

Dad: "Ahhhhh... they are not all that bad. Just a little heat."

Me: "Okay then. I have been wanting to try to make my own pickled pepper rings, so perfect timing! I don't mind if they have a little kick to them."

Fast forward to a few days later when I had whipped up a couple of pint jars of these pickled pepper rings & was about to try my first pepper ring. First bite? A little warm, but I can handle this. Second bite? Ummmmm... my tongue is on fire!

"Just a little heat", my booty! Needless to say, my dad had a jar of these spicy pickled babies in his hands the very next day. I think maybe he had this all planned- what do you all think? ;)

The great thing about this pickled pepper rings recipe is that they can be as hot or as mild as you would like- it all depends on which peppers you use to make these.

If you can't get enough spicy heat, then opt for Hungarian Wax or Sante Fe Grande (which is what *I think* I used here) peppers. If you like it a little more mild (like myself), then grab some banana peppers to make these pepper rings...

I plan on making another less spicy batch of these pickled pepper rings later this week after I pick up some fresh banana peppers from the local farmers market.

Even though I couldn't get behind the heat level in this first batch, the flavor of these pepper rings was spot on. They are great for eating on sandwiches or hot dogs and for topping pizzas & salads with. :)