Cowboy Candy
Sweet, spicy, and irresistibly addictive, Cowboy Candy is the perfect marriage of bold jalapeño heat and caramelized sweetness. This easy-to-make recipe transforms fresh jalapeño peppers into glossy, golden rounds bathed in a tangy apple cider vinegar syrup infused with aromatic spices like turmeric, garlic powder, cayenne, and celery seed. Perfect for topping burgers, sprinkling over nachos, or pairing with cream cheese and crackers, this condiment packs a flavorful punch in every bite. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple water-bath canning instructions for long-term storage, Cowboy Candy is a versatile treat that's sure to become a pantry staple. Let it mellow for two weeks to unlock its full flavor potential, and get ready to spice up snack time or your next barbecue! Keywords: Cowboy Candy recipe, candied jalapeños, sweet and spicy jalapeños, DIY condiment, burger toppings.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh jalapeño peppers
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 0.25 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 0.25 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons celery seed
Instructions
Wash the jalapeño peppers thoroughly. Wear gloves and slice the jalapeños into thin rounds, discarding the stems.
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground turmeric, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and celery seed.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and the syrup begins to boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the syrup for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Carefully add the sliced jalapeños to the syrup and simmer for an additional 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even coating.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the jalapeño slices to sterilized jars, packing them in tightly but without crushing.
Increase the heat under the syrup and boil it for 5 minutes to slightly thicken.
Pour the hot syrup carefully over the jalapeño slices in the jars, ensuring the slices are fully submerged but leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth and seal with sterilized lids and bands.
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes if you plan to store them long-term. Otherwise, allow them to cool and refrigerate.
Let the Cowboy Candy rest for at least 2 weeks for the flavors to fully develop before serving. Enjoy on burgers, nachos, or crackers with cream cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2480 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.1 g | 3% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 30 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 633.7 g | 230% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.5 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 619.6 g | ||
| Protein | 4.6 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 89 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 1362 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
