Cowboy candy, also known as candied jalapeños, is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for canning or refrigerator storage, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. Whether you’re looking to spice up your appetizers, snacks, or even main dishes, cowboy candy is sure to impress. Follow these five simple steps to create the best cowboy candy recipe that will have everyone asking for more.
Key Takeaways
- Cowboy candy is a sweet and spicy treat made from candied jalapeños.
- The recipe requires basic ingredients like jalapeños, apple cider vinegar, white sugar, turmeric, and ginger.
- The process involves slicing the jalapeños, boiling the vinegar, sugar, and spices, and then simmering to create a flavorful brine.
- Cowboy candy can be stored in the refrigerator or canned for longer shelf life.
- This versatile condiment can be used as an appetizer, snack, or to add a kick to various dishes.
1. Jalapenos
First things first, you need to start with fresh jalapeños. Wash them thoroughly and trim off the stem end. If you want to make your cowboy candy less spicy, you can core or partially core the peppers to remove some of the inner membrane and seeds.
Slicing the Jalapenos
You’ll cleave a ton of jalapeño peppers for this recipe. Use a mandolin or food processor with a slicing accessory to save some chopping time. Cut the jalapeños into ¼” round slices. This is easiest to do with a small serrated knife, though you could also use a mandolin slicer if available.
Tame the Heat
These are sweet and zesty – to tame the intensity a piece, you can eliminate the seeds and layer from the peppers. Subsequent to removing the stems, stick a long peeler inside each jalapeño, curve, and take out the seeds. Then slice into rounds. Be sure to wear gloves while doing this to avoid burning your eyes or nose. The fumes can be strong!
Prepare the Jalapeños
Cut and dispose of the stems from the jalapeños, then cut them into 1/4-inch thick adjusts.Be sure to wear gloves while doing this. Set aside.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a key ingredient in making cowboy candy. It adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the sugar and the heat of the jalapenos. While some people prefer using Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar, any undiluted cider vinegar will work just fine. White distilled vinegar could be used in a pinch, but it will have a slightly sharper flavor than the syrup.
Why Use Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is preferred because it has a milder and more complex flavor compared to white vinegar. It also helps in preserving the cowboy candy, ensuring it lasts longer.
How Much to Use?
The typical cowboy candy recipe calls for about 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. This amount is enough to give the candy its signature tang without overpowering the other flavors.
Substitutes for Apple Cider Vinegar
If you find yourself without apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar or even red wine vinegar. However, keep in mind that these substitutes will alter the final taste of your cowboy candy.
3. White Sugar
The Sweet Foundation
White sugar is the backbone of any good Cowboy Candy Recipe. It not only sweetens the jalapenos but also helps in creating that thick syrup that everyone loves. When you grab a big saucepan (make sure it’s large enough for your peppers later) and mix in your apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, sugar, and a sprinkle of turmeric, you’ll see the magic happen.
Choosing the Right Sugar
Most folks use regular granulated sugar for this recipe. It’s simple and dissolves well. However, some people have tried using honey or maple syrup as a substitute, but it’s not common in traditional recipes.
Sugar to Liquid Ratio
Getting the sugar to liquid ratio right is crucial. This recipe calls for a sugar to liquid ratio of 3:1. Some people find this too sweet and suggest a 2:1 ratio instead. But remember, with the sugar and seasonings, it will be runny, not overly syrupy. Once it cools, it will form more of a thick syrup.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is a fantastic addition to your cowboy candy recipe. Not only does it add a beautiful color and a touch of flavor, but it also has some great benefits. Turmeric is antifungal and antibacterial, which helps in the preservation process. So, your candied jalapenos will last longer and stay fresh.
If you’re wondering whether you can skip it, the answer is yes. However, adding turmeric gives your cowboy candy an earthy and delicious depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Some folks even add a bit of black pepper to activate the turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Ginger
Ginger is a key ingredient in making cowboy candy. It adds a unique flavor that balances the sweet and tangy taste of the candied jalapeños. When combined with other spices like turmeric and allspice, ginger helps to create a complex and delicious syrup that infuses the jalapeños with a burst of flavor.
Why Ginger?
Ginger is not just for adding a bit of spice. It has a warm, slightly sweet flavor that complements the heat of the jalapeños. This makes it an essential part of the recipe, giving the cowboy candy its distinctive taste.
How Much Ginger?
For this recipe, you’ll need about ½ teaspoon of ground ginger. This amount is just right to add that special zing without overpowering the other flavors.
Tips for Using Ginger
- Make sure to use ground ginger for a smoother texture.
- If you prefer a stronger ginger flavor, you can add a bit more, but be careful not to overdo it.
- Combine ginger with other spices like turmeric and allspice for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Conclusion
Making cowboy candy at home is a breeze with these 5 easy steps. Whether you’re canning them for long-term storage or just whipping up a quick batch for the fridge, these sweet and spicy candied jalapeños are sure to be a hit. They’re perfect for snacking, adding to appetizers, or even spicing up your favorite dishes. So why buy them when you can make them yourself? Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade cowboy candy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Cowboy Candy is a term used for candied jalapeños. They are jalapeño peppers that have been sliced and cooked in a sugary syrup, making them sweet, spicy, and tangy.
Yes, Cowboy Candy is spicy because it is made from jalapeño peppers. However, the sweetness from the sugary syrup balances out the heat, making it a unique flavor experience.
While jalapeños are the most common peppers used for Cowboy Candy, you can experiment with other types of peppers like serrano or habanero for different levels of heat and flavor.
Cowboy Candy can be stored in a clean jar with a tight lid. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 months or longer. Canning is also an option for longer storage.
Yes, you can make Cowboy Candy without canning. Simply transfer the prepared peppers to a clean jar, cover with a tight lid, let them cool to room temperature, and refrigerate.
Cowboy Candy can be used as a condiment, appetizer, or snack. It pairs well with cream cheese on crackers, can be added to sandwiches, burgers, or even used as a topping for nachos.
