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Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapeños)

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  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Category: Condiments
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Sweet, spicy, and irresistibly tangy, Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapeños) transforms fresh jalapeños into a sticky, golden treat perfect for topping, snacking, or gifting.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds fresh jalapeños, sliced into 1/8-inch rings
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)


Instructions

  1. Sterilize canning jars and lids by boiling them in water or running through a hot dishwasher cycle.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, turmeric, garlic powder, mustard seeds, celery seed, and chili flakes. Bring to a gentle boil and stir until sugar dissolves.
  3. Ensure the saucepan is large enough to hold all sliced jalapeños.
  4. Add jalapeños to the syrup and simmer for 4 minutes until slightly softened.
  5. Transfer jalapeños into sterilized jars with a slotted spoon. Simmer syrup for 5 more minutes to thicken, then pour over jalapeños in jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
  6. Wipe rims clean, seal jars with lids. For canning, process jars in boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Otherwise, cool and refrigerate.
  7. Allow jars to sit for at least 24 hours before serving for best flavor.

Notes

  • Wear gloves when slicing jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
  • Let jars sit for 3 days or more for maximum flavor infusion.
  • Use leftover syrup in dressings, glazes, or marinades.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg