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Candied Jalapenos – Cowboy Candy Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 135 reviews
  • Author: Hugo
  • Total Time: 40 minutes plus 2 months curing time
  • Yield: Approximately 4 pints 1x

Description

Candied Jalapeños, also known as Cowboy Candy, are a sweet and spicy treat made by simmering sliced jalapeños in a flavorful syrup of vinegar, sugar, and spices. Perfect for adding a tangy kick to sandwiches, burgers, or cheese platters, these preserved jalapeños store well and develop deeper flavors when allowed to cure for a couple of months.

Ingredients

Scale

Jalapeños

  • 2½ pounds jalapeños

Syrup & Spices

  • 2 cups cider vinegar
  • 4 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 4 teaspoons granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Jalapeños: Wash and drain the jalapeños thoroughly. Wearing gloves, slice them carefully into ⅛ to ¼ inch thick slices to avoid irritation from the peppers.
  2. Make the Syrup: In a large stock pot, combine the cider vinegar, sugar, turmeric, celery seed, granulated garlic, and ground cayenne pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  3. Simmer the Jalapeños: Add the sliced jalapeños to the simmering syrup and cook for 4 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften and absorb the syrup’s flavor.
  4. Pack the Jars: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the jalapeños into sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top.
  5. Boil the Syrup Again: Turn the heat back under the pot and bring the syrup to a hard boil for 6 minutes to sterilize the syrup again.
  6. Fill the Jars with Syrup: Ladle the boiling syrup over the jalapeños in the jars, leaving the ½ inch headspace intact.
  7. Clean the Jar Edges: Wipe the rims of the jars with a damp paper towel to ensure a clean seal.
  8. Seal the Jars: Place the lids and bands on the jars and finger-tighten them securely.
  9. Reserve Remaining Syrup: Pour any leftover syrup into a separate jar and refrigerate it for later use as a flavorful condiment or dressing.
  10. Process the Jars: Place the sealed jars in a water bath canner filled with hot water, ensuring the jars are covered by at least an inch of water. Bring to a full rolling boil and process for 10 minutes for half-pints or 15 minutes for pints. After boiling, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the hot water for an additional 5 minutes.
  11. Cool and Store: Remove the jars carefully and place them on the counter to cool completely overnight. Check the seals the following day: if the center of a lid flexes up and down when pressed, that jar must be refrigerated. Store properly sealed jars in a cool, dry place.
  12. Allow Flavors to Develop: For best taste, wait at least 2 months before opening the jars to let the flavors deepen and meld beautifully. Meanwhile, enjoy the reserved syrup as a tasty treat.

Notes

  • Wear gloves when handling and slicing jalapeños to protect your skin from the pepper’s oils.
  • Ensure jars and lids are sterilized to prevent spoilage.
  • The leftover syrup is delicious as a salad dressing ingredient or to drizzle on grilled meats.
  • Wait at least 2 months before consuming the candied jalapeños for optimal flavor development.
  • Use a water bath canner or large pot with a rack to process the jars safely.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: candied jalapenos, cowboy candy, sweet and spicy peppers, preserved jalapenos, summer recipes, pickled jalapenos, jalapeno relish

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Find it online: https://flavorsbyhugo.com/candied-jalapenos-cowboy-candy-recipe/