This easy Cowgirl Candy is a sweet and spicy mix of candied jalapeños, pineapple, and tangy syrup! Perfect for canning or keeping in the fridge.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Chill Time8 hourshrs
Total Time8 hourshrs35 minutesmins
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cowgirl candy
Servings: 20(approx. 6 half pints)
Equipment
Mixing Bowl
Large Pot
Slotted Spoon
Ladle or Pitcher with a Spout
6 Half Pint Jars
Ingredients
20large jalapeños
2cupsapple cider vinegar
2cupsgranulated sugar
2cupspacked brown sugar
1tspturmeric
1tspgarlic powder
¼tspcelery seed
½tspcayenne pepper
2cupsfresh pineapple chunksabout ¾-inch cubes
Instructions
Wearing gloves, slice and discard stems from peppers, then slice into ¼-inch thick rounds. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
In a large pot over high heat add all the other ingredients (except the pineapple.) 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 a mixing bowl along with the pineapple chunks. Toss gently.
Scoop portions of the jalapeños and pineapple into clean, sterile canning jars to within a ¼-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 and pineapple chunks 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 overnight (at a minimum!) the longer they sit, the better they will taste.
Video
Notes
Work in a well ventilated kitchen. The vinegar fumes are strong with this recipe. Open up some windows while you boil down the brine.