Candied Jalapeños (Cowboy Candy)
Wranglin' up the best cowboy candy recipe? These candied jalapeños are sweet, spicy, and totally addictive. Perfect on everything! Get the recipe here.
Alright, partner, let's talk cowboy candy recipe ! you ever crave something sweet but with a kick that'll buck you right off your chair? then these candied jalapenos are for you.
They're seriously addictive, and i gotta warn you, once you start, you can't stop.
Sweet Heat: Your New Favorite Condiment
Where did this cowboy candy jelly madness come from? well, think of it as a tex-mex take on traditional pickles.
It's got that sweet and tangy thing going on, but with a jalapeno punch. it's pretty easy cowboy candy to make, taking about an hour and a half from start to finish.
This recipe yields about 2 pints, perfect for sharing...or not.
Why You'll Be Obsessed
Honestly, the best part is the sweet and spicy combo. the sugar mellows the heat, but those jalapenos still bring the fire.
Plus, these babies are packed with vitamin c. this cowboy candy recipe is awesome for parties, bbqs, or just jazzing up a tuesday night grilled cheese.
You know? what makes it special? you get that sweet and the spicy in perfect harmony.
Ready to dive in? Gather your ingredients: 2 pounds of fresh jalapenos, a cup of vinegar, four cups of sugar, and some spices. Don't forget the gloves.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this cowboy candy recipe . Honestly, it’s easier than wrangling cattle, I promise. We're about to make some seriously addictive candied jalapeños , y'all.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Oh my gosh, these are the building blocks.
- 2 pounds fresh jalapeño peppers , stemmed and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds (that's about 1 kg for my friends across the pond).
- 1 cup white distilled vinegar (240 ml).
- 4 cups granulated sugar (800 g).
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 ml).
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (5 ml).
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (2.5 ml).
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed (2.5 ml).
- Optional: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste).
For the peppers, you want them firm and bright green. Avoid any that are soft or bruised. Freshness matters, y'know? The better the jalapeno pickles , the better the cowboy candy jelly !
Seasoning Notes
The right spices are key for the perfect balance.
Garlic and onion powder give that savory depth. Turmeric adds a subtle earthiness and color. Celery seed? That's the secret weapon. It rounds everything out. Seriously. Don't skip it.
No celery seed? a pinch of dill will do in a pinch. don't be afraid to experiment, but honestly, follow the recipe for the best results.
This easy cowboy candy is meant to be a crowd-pleaser.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, folks.
- A large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. This is important, so it doesn't burn.
- A slotted spoon. Gotta fish out those peppers.
- Sterilized jars, lids, and bands (if you are going to can them) or just regular pint jars.
- Canning funnel (helpful, but not essential ).
- Candy thermometer (Again, helpful, but not essential).
Don't have a slotted spoon? use a regular spoon and be careful. no fancy pot? any pot will do, but watch out for scorching.
We want canned cowboy candy , not burnt candy.
Alright, partner, let's dive into the heart of our cowboy candy recipe : the cooking method! i’m gonna share all my secrets, from prep to plating, so you can make canned jalapenos that'll knock your socks off.
Seriously, folks, this easy cowboy candy is a total game changer.
Candied Jalapeños (Cowboy Candy) Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Prep Steps: Wranglin' Your Ingredients
First things first: mise en place , y'all. it's a fancy french term. it means getting your ducks in a row.
Dice, measure, and get organized! this will save your bacon later. you’ll need about 2 pounds of sliced jalapenos.
Honestly, i once tried to skip this step. oh my gosh, disaster! halfway through, i realized i was out of sugar.
Not fun. time-saving tip : slice those peppers ahead of time. store them in the fridge. safety first, though. wear gloves! jalapeno juice is no joke.
Remember, you heard it from me!
Step-by-Step: Turnin' Up the Heat
Here's the magic, step by step, to transform those cowboy candy jalapenos :
- Combine 1 cup vinegar, 4 cups sugar, and spices in a big pot.
- Simmer until sugar dissolves. Don't let it burn, now!
- Add 2 pounds sliced jalapeños.
- Simmer for 1 hour , stirring now and then.
- Prepare your jars! Sterilize those babies if you plan on preserving peppers . A 10 minute boil does the trick.
- Spoon jalapenos into jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Pour that delicious Cowboy Candy Jelly over the peppers.
- Process those canned cowboy candy jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes .
Visual cue? The peppers should look a bit translucent. Don't overcook, or they'll be mushy.
Pro Tips: From Rookie to Ranch Hand
Want to take your Jalapeno Pickles to the next level? Here are a few tricks I've learned:
- Pro Tip Numero Uno : Use a candy thermometer. Aim for 220° F . This ensures the perfect syrup consistency.
- Avoid this error! : Don't walk away! That syrup can scorch fast if you don’t pay attention.
- Make-ahead option? You bet! Simmer the peppers and syrup a day ahead. Let it chill in the fridge. Then can 'em the next day. I promise you that this simple cowboy candy recipe won't dissapoint!
So there you have it, folks! Now go forth and create some canned jalapenos !
Alright, let's talk about making your cowboy candy recipe truly shine!
Recipe Notes: Making Your Cowboy Candy Amazing!
These aren't just your average jalapeno pickles . we're diving deep! we are making the best canned jalapenos and the best cowboy candy jelly out there! i want to share some helpful tips, tricks, and ideas.
It will make your easy cowboy candy experience awesome. plus, we'll touch on storing it so you can enjoy it for longer.
Serving Suggestions: Time to Get Fancy (Or Not!)
Honestly, plating can be as simple or as extra as you want. for a casual vibe, just pile your cowboy candy jalapenos on a burger.
Want to impress? arrange them artfully on a cheese board with some creamy brie. oh my gosh, the sweet and spicy combo is killer! as for sides, think cool and creamy.
Potato salad is a classic. a crisp coleslaw works wonders too. for drinks, a refreshing lemonade or iced tea cuts through the heat perfectly.
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
Okay, so you've made a batch of canned cowboy candy . now what? if you canned them properly, they can hang out in your pantry for a good year.
If you didn't can them, no worries! just pop them in the fridge. they'll be good for a few weeks, maybe even a month.
I've never had them last that long, though. refrigerate after opening! for reheating, you don't really need to. they're usually served cold or at room temp.
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Honestly, this is where it gets fun. watching my dad while preserving peppers gave me ideas. want a healthier twist? try using a sugar substitute like honey.
Just know it will change the flavor a bit. for a seasonal swap, add some cranberries in the fall for a festive kick.
You could make different versions when canning peppers !
Nutrition Basics: Fuel for Your Inner Cowboy (or Cowgirl!)
Okay, i'm not a nutritionist, but here's the lowdown. a small serving of cowboy candy (about 2 tablespoons) has around 60 calories.
Most of those come from sugar. but hey, it's a treat! jalapenos themselves are packed with vitamins. they've got capsaicin.
Some studies show that it may have health benefits. plus, this cowboy candy recipe makes you happy, and that's good for you too.
So, there you have it! some extra tips to make your cowboy candy recipe a total success. don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Now, go forth and create some deliciousness!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is cowboy candy, and why should I bother making this cowboy candy recipe?
Cowboy Candy, or candied jalapeños, are a sweet and spicy condiment that's become a real crowd-pleaser. Think of it like a pickle with a kick! They add a fantastic zing to everything from burgers and nachos to charcuterie boards. Plus, making your own means you can control the heat level - are you feeling like a mild-mannered Clint Eastwood, or a gunslinger like John Wayne today?
I'm not a canning expert; do I have to can the cowboy candy?
Not at all! Canning is great for long-term storage, meaning you can keep your cowboy candy shelf-stable for a year or more - perfect for a pantry prepping! If you’re not into canning, you can simply store the finished cowboy candy in sterilized jars in the refrigerator. They'll last for several weeks. Just make sure to use clean jars!
My cowboy candy turned out too spicy! How can I tone down the heat next time I try this cowboy candy recipe?
Spice is nice, but not if it's overwhelming! The easiest way to reduce the heat is to remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before simmering them. You can also reduce (or omit!) the optional red pepper flakes. And, if all else fails, serve it with something cooling, like sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance things out.
Can I use different types of peppers, or add other ingredients to this cowboy candy recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment. Serrano peppers will add more heat. Some people love adding a bit of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or even chunks of pineapple or mango for a tropical twist. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed, and keep an eye on the consistency of the syrup. It's your kitchen, partner - do what makes you happy!
How long does cowboy candy last, and what's the best way to store it?
Canned cowboy candy, properly processed, can last for a year or more in a cool, dark place. Once opened, or if you didn't can it, store it in the refrigerator. Refrigerated cowboy candy will generally last for several weeks. Just be sure to use a clean utensil each time you dip in to prevent contamination.
Is cowboy candy actually healthy? What about the sugar content?
Let's be honest, cowboy candy is more of a treat than a health food. While jalapeños do contain vitamins and antioxidants, the high sugar content should be considered. Enjoy it in moderation as a flavorful condiment. If you're concerned about sugar, you could experiment with sugar substitutes like honey or agave, but be aware that it might affect the flavor and consistency. You may be able to eat this guilt-free if you just eat a bit!
