Hot to Make Sweet n’ Spicy Cowboy Candy
Jalepenos are in full swing right now and if you are looking for a fun and delicious way to use them you have to try making this Cowboy Candy! It is the perfect combo of sweet and spicy to add to any meal.
If you have never heard of “cowboy candy”, essentially what it is, is sweet candied jalapenos. They can be done in all different levels of sweetness or more pickled but either way they are absolutely delicious!
Every year during Jalepeno season we make a point of canning at least 50 jars so it can last us all throughout the year. Cowboy candy is great to add to amost any meal. Burritos, taco bowls, soups, chili, charcuterie….you name it! It also makes great gifts if you are into homemade gifts and everyone loves it.
While we love the spice, not everyone does. This cowboy candy can be quite spicy but if you want to make it more mild you can remove the sees from the jalepenos. This will cut the spice drastically! You can make these jalepenos to store in the fridge and enjoy right away or can them to store them for months to come.
Tips for Making Cowboy Candy
- Always wear gloves when slicing the jalepenos!! Do not make the mistake of thinking you don’t need them. Your hands will be burning if you do not have any protection.
- Allow the mixture to come to a full boil before simmering on the stove. You want some of the sugars to start to cook down and get sticky and syrup like for when it cools.
- Use a slotted spoon to add the jalepenos to jars then pour over the liquid. This will ensure you can get the jars nice and full of the jalepenos and the liquid can come after to fill in all the cracks.
Sweet n’ Spicy Cowboy Candy Ingredients
Jalapenos– You can use whichever jalapenos you like. We use a combo of regular green ones and yellow jalepenos for the color.
Vinegar– This recipe uses a combination of white vinegar and apple cider vinegar for some extra flavor. You can use all white vinegar if you want.
Sugar– This recipe already has a lesser amount of sugar than most cowboy candy so do not try and reduce this anymore. You need enough to get that sweet and sticky taste and texture.
Brown Sugar– The combination of white sugar and brown sugar adds an extra depth of flavor.
Mustard Seed– Make sure you get the whle mustard seeds and not mustard powder.
Garlic Powder– Use garlic powder opposed to granulated garlic for slightly more mild taste.
Salt– This can be pickling salt or any table salt.
Turmeric– You don’t taste this much but it adds to the color and look of the finished product.
The Steps
1.Start by slicing all of the jalepenos into 1/4 inch thick slices. If you want this to be less spicy, remove the seeds as well. Set aside.
2. Next, add all of the remaining ingredients to a large pot and cook over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. About 5 minutes.
3. Add the sliced jalepenos to the pot, and gently stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Once the mixture has simmered it is ready to be canned. If you are wanting to eat this now and not seal the jars, you can add the jalepenos along with a spoon of liquid to any size jar you like and store in the fridge for up to a month.
5. If you are canning your cowboy candy to make it shelf stable follow the next couple steps.
6. Steralize all your jars and lids and lay them out to be filled. Next, using a slotted spoon, add a good amount of the jalepenos to each jar, leaving about 1 inch of room at the top of the jar.
7. Once they are all filled, ladel in some of the liquid to each jar, leaving half an inch of head space at the top of the jar.
8. Wipe all the rims of the jars then place the steralized lids on top, and add the rings to each jar, just lightly tightening them.
9. Place the jars in a water bath canner, making sure the jars are covered with water. Boil for 15 minutes.
10. Remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool before tightening the rings and checking that all the jars have sealed.
If you give this recipe a try leave a coment or a review below 🙂
Check out these delicious recipes to add your cowboy candy to!
https://cmbarndominium.com/chipotle-pineapple-venison-with-corn-avocado-salsa/
https://cmbarndominium.com/easy-delicious-venison-white-corn-chili/
https://cmbarndominium.com/20-minute-healthy-unstuffed-peppers-using-ground-meat/
https://cmbarndominium.com/best-ever-braised-venison-tacos-with-pineapple-jalapeno-salsa/
Sweet and spice pickled jalepenos that are the perfect addition to soups, sandwiches, burritos and even chacuterie boards! * This recipe can be cut in half or even in 1/4s if you do not want to make such a large batch! * If you don't can this cowboy candy it will last for up to a month in the fridge. *If you are canning the cowboy candy, it will last for a year + on the shelf unopened, and then for 1 month in the fridge once opened. 
Sweet n' Spicy Cowboy Candy
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
