Homemade cowboy candy is a delicious and versatile condiment that adds a unique flavor to any dish.
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Jump to RecipeWhat is cowboy candy?
Homemade cowboy candy, also known as candied jalapeños, is a popular spicy-sweet condiment that is a favorite for many foodies. It’s a perfect combination of spicy, tangy, and sweet, making it a versatile ingredient to add to almost any dish. If you’re a fan of this delicious treat, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s quite easy to make at home.
Origins of cowboy candy
The cowboys would slice jalapeños and mix them with vinegar and sugar, creating a sweet and spicy treat that could be eaten as a snack or added to meals. The vinegar acts as a preservative and allows long term storage of the jalapeños without spoiling.
Over time, cowboy candy became a popular treat among cowboys and spread to other regions of the country. Today, it’s a favorite condiment among foodies and found in many gourmet food shops and farmer’s markets.
Cowboy candy may have originated as a way for cowboys to preserve their jalapeños, but it’s become so much more than that. Today, it’s a beloved condiment that’s enjoyed by people all over the world. Whether you’re adding it to your favorite dish or eating it straight out of the jar, there’s no denying the deliciousness of cowboy candy.
Ingredients:
In this blog post, I’ll take you through the process of making homemade cowboy candy. From selecting the right jalapeños to preserving your candy, I’ll cover everything you need to know.
To make cowboy candy, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs. of fresh jalapeños (about 28 large)
- 2 cups of cider vinegar
- 6 cups of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seed
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
How to make it!
- Select the Right Jalapeños: For cowboy candy, you’ll need fresh jalapeños. Choose peppers that are firm and have a bright green color. Avoid those with any soft spots or signs of rotting.
- Slice the Jalapeños: After washing and drying the jalapeños, remove the stems and slice them into rings, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the cider vinegar, sugar, turmeric, mustard seed, cayenne, ginger, salt and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add Jalapeños: Once the mixture has boiled, add the sliced jalapeños and let them simmer for 4-5 minutes until they turn dark and glossy. Stir occasionally.
- Jar the Candy: Use a slotted spoon to remove the jalapeños from the pot and pack them into sterilized jars. Be sure to leave at least 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
- Preserve the Candy: Pour the remaining liquid mixture over the jalapeños, making sure to cover them completely. Use a knife or chopstick to remove any air bubbles, wipe the rims, and seal the jars with lids and bands.
- Process the candy: Process pint/half pint jars in a boiling water bath canner for 15 minutes.
- Store: Let the jars cool completely and store them in a cool dry location. Store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator. The cowboy candy will last for several years on the shelf and several weeks in the refrigerator, but it’s unlikely to last that long as it’s so delicious!
- BONUS! Mix leftover brine and equal parts prepared mustard and cook until thickened. Makes a great BBQ sauce!
Uses for cowboy candy
Making homemade cowboy candy is an easy and rewarding process that anyone can do. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a jar of this delicious condiment that you can use to spice up your favorite dishes.
Try adding cowboy candy to tacos, burgers, or sandwiches; you’ll love the sweet and spicy flavor that it brings to your meals. I enjoy eating cowboy candy straight out of the jar as a snack. The sweetness of the syrup and the spiciness of the jalapeños make for a delicious and addictive combination, and when all the candy goodness is gone from the jar, use the syrup to make a delicious vinaigrette!
Grab yourself some fresh jalapeños and start making on your own batch of cowboy candy today!
Homemade Cowboy Candy
Equipment
- 1 Heavy bottomed stock pot
- 1 Water bath canner
- 7 half pint jars w/lids and bands OR 14 1/4-pint jars
Ingredients
- 2 pounds jalapenos (about 28 large)
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 6 cups sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp tumeric
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp mustard seed
- 1 tsp ginger
Instructions
- Select the Right Jalapeños: For cowboy candy, you'll need fresh jalapeños. Choose peppers that are firm and have a bright green color. Avoid those with any soft spots or signs of rotting.
- Slice the Jalapeños: After washing and drying the jalapeños, remove the stems and slice them into rings, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the cider vinegar, sugar, turmeric, mustard seed, cayenne, ginger, salt and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add Jalapeños: Once the mixture has boiled, add the sliced jalapeños and let them simmer for 4-5 minutes until they turn dark and glossy. Stir occasionally.
- Jar the Candy: Use a slotted spoon to remove the jalapeños from the pot and pack them into sterilized jars. Be sure to leave at least 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
- Preserve the Candy: Pour the remaining liquid mixture over the jalapeños, making sure to cover them completely. Use a knife or chopstick to remove any air bubbles, wipe the rims, and seal the jars with lids and bands.
- Process the candy: Process half/quarter pint jars in a boiling water bath canner for 15 minutes.
- Store: Let the jars cool completely and store them in a cool dry location. Store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator. The cowboy candy will last for several years on the shelf and several weeks in the refrigerator, but it's unlikely to last that long as it's so delicious!
Sounds like a winner!
Sounds delicious
Best way to utilize your bumper crop of jalapeños! Staple condiment at our house for our Mexican inspired dishes!
These are delicious! My daughter ate them like candy!
Although I can’t comment on canning Cowboy Candy, I can comment on all the delicious ways that I enjoy them. Sneak a few slices onto an Italian sub, onto a homemade pizza – you won’t regret it! Add the “juice” to your favorite scratch margarita recipe or spicy tequila martinis – sooooo good! Boil down the syrup with a bit of white balsamic vinegar to thicken it, and use it as a glaze on grilled skin on chicken thighs. Thanks Dani! These may be my first attempt at canning – you make it look so easy☺️