Candied Jalapeños (Cowboy Candy)
Spicy jalapeño slices in a sugary glaze, these Candied Jalapeños (aka Cowboy Candy) are the perfect sweet-and-spicy condiment to liven up your favorite foods. Enjoy with cream cheese and crackers, as a topping on burgers, hot dogs, or even in your baked beans and salads!Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Servings: 20 (approx. 5 half pints)
Ingredients
- 20 large jalapeños
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Wearing gloves, slice and discard stems from peppers, then slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- In a large pot over high heat add all the other ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add in the sliced jalapeños, bring the heat back up to high and simmer for exactly 4 minutes.
- With a slotted spoon, transfer the peppers to clean, sterile canning jars to within a 1/4-inch of the upper rim of the jar.
- Put the heat back on under the pot to high and boil the liquid for about 6-7 minutes. Then remove pot from the heat and let cool for about 3 minutes.
- Using a ladle (or pitcher with a spout), carefully pour the liquid syrup into the jars, making sure all the jalapeños are completely submerged. (Take a chopstick and poke it into the bottom of the jars a few times to release any pockets of air.)
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp paper towel. Seal with two-piece lids. Place in the fridge.
- Let chill for at least 2 weeks (the longer they sit, the better they will taste.)
Video
Notes
Storage. Keep stored in the fridge and eat within 2 months.
Canning. For longer shelf life, you can take the additional step of canning cowboy candy. To do this, place the filled sealed jars in a canner, covered with water by 2-inches. Bring the water to a full rolling boil. When it reaches a full rolling boil, set the timer for 10 minutes for half-pints or 15 minutes for pints. When timer goes off, use canning tongs to transfer the jars to a cooling rack. Leave them to cool, undisturbed, for 24 hours. When fully cooled, wipe them with a clean, damp washcloth then label. They'll last in the pantry for up to a year.
Leftover syrup. Don't get rid of any leftover syrup! It’s great used as a simple syrup in margaritas, as a glaze for grilled ribs, or added to potato salad, etc.
Nutrition
Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 172IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg