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cowboy candy recipe - Jars of green candied jalapeños known as cowboy candy

Sweet and Spicy Cowboy Candy

This cowboy candy recipe creates addictive candied jalapeños that are perfectly sweet, tangy, and spicy. Perfect for canning and gifting!

  • Total Time: PT35M
  • Yield: 6 half-pint jars 1x

Ingredients

Scale

3 lbs fresh jalapeños, washed and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
2 cups apple cider vinegar
6 cups granulated sugar
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp celery seed
3 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, combine the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, turmeric, celery seed, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Reduce the heat and simmer the syrup for 5 minutes to ensure all the sugar is dissolved and the spices are well-distributed.
Step 3: Add the sliced jalapeños to the pot and turn the heat back up. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for exactly 4 minutes.
Step 4: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the jalapeños into clean, sterile canning jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top.
Step 5: Increase the heat under the remaining syrup and bring to a hard, rolling boil for 6-8 minutes until it has thickened and reduced slightly.
Step 6: Pour the hot syrup over the jalapeños in the jars, maintaining the 1 inch of headspace. Run a clean tool around the inside of the jars to remove air bubbles.
Step 7: Wipe the rims of the jars, apply lids and bands, and process in a water bath canner for 10-15 minutes (adjust for altitude).

Notes

For best flavor, let the jars sit for at least 2-4 weeks before eating to allow the heat to mellow and the syrup to fully penetrate the peppers.

  • Prep Time: PT20M
  • Cook Time: PT15M
  • Category: Appetizers & Snacks
  • Cuisine: Southern / Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
  • Calories: 45 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 15 mg
  • Fat: 0.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 0.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: cowboy candy recipe, candied jalapeños, canning recipes, spicy appetizers, pickled jalapeños

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