Delicious Cowboy Candy Recipe (Candied Jalapeños )

This Cowboy Candy Recipe is a spicy and sweet delight! This flavorful treat is made with sliced jalapenos that are pickled in a mixture of sugar, vinegar, and spices.

The end result is a versatile condiment with a spicy kick that can be used in a variety of ways. In this article, we'll take a closer look at cowboy candy, its ingredients and instructions, recipe variations, possible substitutions and mix-ins, and tips for storage and freezing.

What is Cowboy Candy?

Cowboy candy is a sweet and spicy condiment that's perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their food. The sliced jalapenos are pickled in a mixture of sugar, vinegar, and spices, which gives them a unique flavor profile.

The sweetness of the sugar is balanced by the acidity of the vinegar, while the spices add depth and complexity to the overall taste.

Cowboy candy is popular in the Southern United States and is often served as a condiment alongside barbecue, grilled meats, or on top of cream cheese as a dip.

The texture of cowboy candy is also quite interesting. The sliced jalapenos retain some of their crunch even after being pickled, which makes them a great addition to sandwiches, burgers, and other dishes.

The syrupy liquid that surrounds the peppers is also quite thick and sticky, which makes it ideal for glazing meat or using as a dipping sauce.

Uses for Candied Jalapeños

Cowboy candy is an incredibly versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are just a few ideas of how to use Cowboy Candy with some of my favorite recipes:

• Add to sandwiches or burgers like my Spicy Chicken Burgers and Taco Sliders for an extra kick of flavor
• Use as a topping for pizza or flatbread such as my BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza, Jambalaya Pizza, and Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe
• Mix into cream cheese or sour cream for a spicy dip with bread or crackers
• Use as a glaze for chicken, pork, or beef
• Add to salads like my Taco Rice Bowl for a sweet and spicy twist
• Use as a condiment for tacos or nachos such as my Easy Taco Pie, BBQ Pulled Pork Tacos, and Mexican Potato Nachos
• Cowboy Candy makes a great topping for one pot recipes like my Taco Pasta Skillet and Hot Mexican Dip

Ingredients

To make cowboy candy, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Jalapeno peppers - wash and remove the stem-end before slicing
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sugar
• Kosher salt
• Pickling spices - garlic powder, mustard seeds, celery seed, and ground turmeric
• Pint jar with lid for storing your candied jalapenos.

Instructions

To prepare cowboy candy, follow these instructions:

Prep: Wash the jalapenos, remove the stems, and slice into 1/4" rounds

Boil: Combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Simmer: Add pepper slices to the mixture and return to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until the peppers change color and soften. This should take about 5-6 minutes.

Spoon: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the jalapenos to a pint-size mason jar or heat-proof container.

Reduce: Bring the liquid back to a boil and boil until reduced by half. This should take about 5-8 minutes. The liquid should be syrupy.

Pour: Pour or ladle the syrup over the jalapenos, pressing down the peppers as needed to submerge them in the syrup.

Cool: Allow the mixture to cool. Once cooled, wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp paper towel and put the lid on the jar. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Recipe Variations

Cowboy candy is a versatile condiment that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Peach Jalapeno Cowboy Candy: Add diced peaches to the recipe for a sweet and spicy flavor that's perfect for summer. You can also substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar to complement the peach flavor.
• Smoky Cowboy Candy: Add a smoky flavor to your cowboy candy by adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the recipe.
• Pineapple Jalapeno Cowboy Candy: Add diced pineapple to the recipe for a tropical twist. You can also use rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a milder taste.
• Garlic Jalapeno Cowboy Candy: Add minced garlic to the recipe for a savory twist. You can also add a teaspoon of dried herbs such as thyme or oregano for an extra flavor boost.
• Cherry Jalapeno Cowboy Candy: Add pitted and diced cherries to the recipe for a sweet and spicy flavor that's perfect for topping cheese boards or as a glaze for grilled meats.
• Blackberry Jalapeno Cowboy Candy: Add fresh or frozen blackberries to the recipe for a sweet and tangy flavor that's perfect for adding to barbecue sauces or marinades.

These are just a few examples of how you can customize your cowboy candy recipe. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version of cowboy candy.

Substitutions and Mix-Ins

While cowboy candy is delicious as is, you can also experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique flavor profile. Here are a few suggestions:

• Swap out the apple cider vinegar for white vinegar or rice vinegar
• Add additional spices such as cumin or paprika
• Use a combination of different chili peppers for a more complex flavor
• Add mix-ins such as diced onions or bell peppers for a bit of texture

When it comes to substitutions, you can adjust the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, if you prefer a milder heat, you can use banana peppers instead of jalapenos.

If you're watching your sugar intake, you can substitute the granulated white sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia.

However, keep in mind that substitutions may affect the final taste and texture of the cowboy candy.

How to Store and Freeze

This easy Cowboy candy recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

To extend the shelf life, make sure to use a clean spoon each time you scoop out the jalapenos to avoid introducing bacteria into the mixture.

NOTE: The longer the cowboy candy sits in the refrigerator, the sweeter it becomes, so it's best to let it sit for at least a week before enjoying.

If you want to freeze cowboy candy, you can do so by transferring the mixture to a freezer-safe container and storing it for up to 6 months. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, and the jalapenos may become a bit softer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Q. Are cowboy candy and candied jalapenos the same thing?

A. Yes, cowboy candy and candied jalapenos refer to the same condiment.

Q. Can I use other types of chili peppers?

A. Yes, you can use other types of chili peppers, such as serrano peppers or habaneros, for a different level of heat and flavor.

Q. How spicy is cowboy candy?

A. The spiciness of cowboy candy depends on the type of jalapenos used and how many seeds and membranes are left intact. If you want a milder version, you can remove the seeds and membranes before slicing the jalapenos.

Q. Can I can cowboy candy?

A. Yes, you can can cowboy candy using a water bath canning method. However, make sure to follow safe canning practices to avoid the risk of botulism.

Q. Can I reuse cowboy candy brine?

A. Yes, you can reuse the brine from cowboy candy to make a second batch of pickled jalapenos.

Cowboy candy is a delicious and versatile condiment that's easy to make at home.

With its sweet and spicy flavor, it's perfect for adding a bit of heat to sandwiches, burgers, and other dishes.

By following the recipe and experimenting with different ingredients and substitutions, you can create your own unique version of cowboy candy that's sure to please your taste buds.

More Pickled Recipes You'll Like

• Pickled Vegetable Slaw is a versatile topping that will turn your ordinary sandwich into sandwich nirvana!
• Homemade Bread and Butter Pickles are easy to make, homemade, and delicious!

cowboy candy, cowboy candy recipe, pickled jalapenos

condiment

American

Yield: 16 ounces

Author: Life Tastes Good

Cowboy Candy Recipe

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 25 Min

Cowboy candy is a delicious and versatile condiment that's easy to make at home. With its sweet and spicy flavor, it's perfect for adding a bit of heat to sandwiches, burgers, and other dishes. By following the recipe above and experimenting with different ingredients and substitutions, you can create your own unique version of cowboy candy that's sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 1 lb jalapeno peppers, sliced
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups granulated white sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

Instructions

1. Wash jalapenos
2. Remove and discard the jalapeno stems before cutting the peppers into 1/4 inch thick coins
3. Combine 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1/4 teaspoon celery seed, and 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. About 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the jalapeno pepper slices and return to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until the peppers change color and soften. The peppers should be uniform in color. This will take about 5 - 6 minutes.
5. Transfer jalapenos to a pint-size mason jar or heat-proof container using a slotted spoon.
6. Bring the liquid to a full rolling boil and boil until reduced by 1/2. About 5-8 minutes. The liquid should be syrupy.
7. Pour the syrup over the jalapenos. Press the peppers down as needed to submerge them in the syrup.
8. Cool before sealing. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

1. Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to spice things up if your jalapenos are mild
2. I use a sharp knife to slice the peppers, but you could also use a mandoline slicer or food processor with slicing blade to make quick work of slicing the peppers if you prefer
3. Wear disposable gloves when handling the peppers
4. Don't touch any sensitive areas such as your eyes after handling jalapeno peppers
5. Wash your hands well after handling the peppers
6. The longer the candied jalapenos sit, the sweeter they will become, so refrigerate for at least a week before enjoying.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

108.63

Fat (grams)

0.22 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

0.03 g

Carbs (grams)

27.01 g

Fiber (grams)

0.82 g

Net carbs

26.18 g

Sugar (grams)

26.19 g

Protein (grams)

0.31 g

Sodium (milligrams)

147.32 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

0 mg

Nutrition label disclaimer: Nutrient values are estimates only. Variations may occur due to product availability and food preparation. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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