Love a little sweet with your heat? Then prepare to be addicted to Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapeños)! This recipe transforms ordinary jalapeños into glistening jewels of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor. Perfect as a burger topping, charcuterie board addition, or straight-from-the-jar snack, this recipe delivers a unique and unforgettable taste explosion. If you are looking for a recipe ranking high and easy to make then lets dive in!
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Key Ingredients for Cowboy Candy
Here’s what you’ll need to transform those fiery jalapeños into sweet, sticky Cowboy Candy:
- 1 pound fresh jalapeño peppers: Choose firm, brightly colored jalapeños. The quality of your jalapeños will directly impact the final product, so pick the best you can find. Wash and thoroughly dry them before slicing.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: The star of the show, providing the sweet counterpoint to the jalapeños’ heat.
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds tanginess and helps to balance the sweetness. It also contributes to the preservation of the jalapeños.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle savory note.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder: Adds color and a subtle earthy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed: Provides a unique aromatic element.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For an extra kick of heat! Feel free to adjust this according to your preference.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Sterilized jars and lids: For proper preservation and storage. Choose jars appropriate for canning, ensuring a tight seal.
How to Make Cowboy Candy
This recipe is surprisingly easy, but the results are anything but ordinary! In about an hour, you can whip up a batch of candied jalapeños that will tantalize your taste buds. The simple syrup beautifully mellows the jalapeños, leaving you with a tasty sweet treat. The total preparation time is about 1 hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Jalapeños: Wash and dry the jalapeños thoroughly. Using gloves (highly recommended to avoid skin irritation!), slice the jalapeños into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Discard the stems.
Combine Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, celery seed, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt.
Simmer the Brine: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This ensures all the flavors meld together.
Add the Jalapeños: Gently add the jalapeño slices to the simmering syrup. Stir to ensure they are evenly coated.
Cook the Jalapeños: Simmer the jalapeños in the syrup for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The jalapeños should be slightly softened but still retain some of their shape. The syrup will thicken slightly.
Jarring (Optional – for shelf-stable preservation): If you want to preserve the Cowboy Candy for long-term storage, follow proper canning procedures. This involves sterilizing jars and lids, filling the hot jars with the hot jalapeños and syrup, leaving 1/4-inch headspace, removing air bubbles, wiping the jar rims, placing on the lids and rings, and processing in a boiling water bath for the recommended time based on your altitude (usually around 10-15 minutes). Always consult reliable canning resources for accurate processing times.
Cool and Store (If Not Canning): If not canning, carefully transfer the Cowboy Candy and syrup into sterilized jars. Allow them to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating. The flavors will continue to develop as they sit.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Candy
These candied jalapeños are a game-changer! The main highlight is the brilliant combination of sweet and spicy – it’s an addictive flavor profile that you won’t find anywhere else. Making them at home is a cost-saving benefit compared to buying them pre-made. You get a larger quantity for less money, and you can control the ingredients and level of spiciness. But the flavorful ingredients and the simple syrup make them truly special. It is also so much better to make than jalepeno poppers which are more popular.
Ready to ditch store-bought and whip up your own batch of Cowboy Candy? Get the recipe today!
What to Serve Cowboy Candy With
Cowboy Candy is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Burgers: Elevate your burgers with a sweet and spicy kick.
- Charcuterie Boards: Add a unique and unexpected element to your cheese and meat boards.
- Tacos and Nachos: The perfect topping for adding sweetness and spice.
- Cream Cheese and Crackers: An easy and delicious appetizer.
- Pizza: Elevate your pizza game with these sweet and spicy gems.
- Grilled Cheese: What better way to spice up your next grilled cheese?
Top Tips for Perfecting Cowboy Candy
- Use Gloves: Always wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation. Capsacin is no joke!. Even washing your hands can continue to spread the ‘burn’.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before slicing. For extra heat, leave the seeds in or add more cayenne pepper.
- Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the jalapeños, as they can become mushy.
- Sterilize Jars: Properly sterilized jars are crucial for safe canning and long-term storage.
- Syrup Consistency: The syrup will thicken as it cools. Don’t worry if it seems a bit thin while cooking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Get creative and try adding other spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or chili powder.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Substitute: You can substitute with white vinegar in a pinch, but the apple cider vinegar adds a richer flavor and warmth, so it is the preferred choice.
- Add a Bit of Maple Syrup: Add about one tablespoon to your next batch for a bit of maple flavor.
5 Facts about Cowboy Candy
- Cowboy Candy is believed to have originated in the American Southwest.
- The combination of sweet and spicy flavors is a popular culinary trend.
- Candied jalapeños are a surprisingly versatile condiment.
- The canning process preserves the jalapeños, allowing for long-term storage.
- Home-made Cowboy Candy is customizable to suit your individual taste preferences.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing:
- Refrigerated (Not Canned): If you didn’t can the Cowboy Candy, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
- Canned: Properly canned Cowboy Candy can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year or more. Check for proper seal (lid should be concave and not flex when pressed) before consuming.
Reheating:
- Cowboy Candy is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is generally not necessary or recommended as it will make the jalapeños soft.
Freezing:
- Freezing is not recommended for Cowboy Candy as it will alter the texture of the jalapeños and syrup. The jalapeños may become mushy upon thawing.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Candy offers a unique culinary experience, balancing the sweetness and the heat into one perfect burst of flavor. This recipe is not just about pickled jalapeños; it’s about creating a sweet and spicy delight that is wonderfully versatile. Whether you are putting them on a burger, using them a charcuterie board, or giving them as gifts, this recipe will please everyone!
Read More also:
- Canning Green Beans
- Canning Whole Potatoes
- Canning Red Potatoes
- Canning Yukon Gold Potatoes
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Cowboy Candy FAQs
Q: Are candied jalapeños really that spicy?
A: The heat of the jalapeños is mellowed during the candying process. However, the level of spiciness can vary depending on the jalapeños themselves and whether you remove the seeds and membranes. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking.
Q: Can I use different types of peppers?
A: While this recipe is specifically for jalapeños, you can experiment with other types of peppers like serranos or habaneros for a different level of heat. Just be aware that the cooking time and flavor may vary.
Q: Do I have to can them, or can I just keep them in the fridge?
A: If you plan to store them for more than a few weeks, canning is recommended to ensure proper preservation. However, if you’ll be using them within a couple of weeks, storing them in the refrigerator in an airtight container is fine.
Q: How long do candied jalapeños last?
A: Properly canned Cowboy Candy can last for a year or more. Refrigerated Cowboy Candy (not canned) will last for about 2-3 weeks and make sure to check for spoilage/mold before consuming.