Description
Sweet Texas-style pineapple cowboy candy brings a spicy-sweet kick to snack time. Southern charm meets tropical heat in this simple, addictive preserve that will make you crave more spicy-candied goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (710 ml) diced fresh pineapple
- 1 cup (240 ml) thinly sliced jalapeno peppers
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
Liquid and Acidic Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
Spices and Aromatics:
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves finely chopped garlic
Instructions
- Craft a zesty syrup base by whisking apple cider vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, mustard seeds, turmeric, ginger, and garlic in a large saucepan over medium heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
- Reduce heat and allow the syrup to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until sugar fully dissolves and the liquid becomes slightly thickened, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Introduce diced pineapple and jalapeno slices into the aromatic syrup, maintaining a consistent medium heat and stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
- Continue cooking the fruit mixture for 15-20 minutes, watching the liquid transform into a glossy, sticky consistency that coats the pineapple and peppers.
- Meanwhile, sterilize glass jars and lids by submerging them in rapidly boiling water for a minimum of 10 minutes to ensure complete sanitization.
- Using clean tongs, carefully transfer the hot pineapple and jalapeno mixture into the sterilized jars, ensuring each jar has uniform distribution and leaving approximately 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Meticulously wipe jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any syrup residue that might prevent proper sealing.
- Secure lids tightly and process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to create a proper seal and extend shelf life.
- Carefully remove jars from the water bath and allow them to cool completely at room temperature, listening for the satisfying “pop” that indicates a successful seal.
- Store the completed cowboy candy in a cool, dark pantry and consume within 6-8 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting the number of jalapeno seeds, removing them for milder flavor or keeping them for extra spiciness.
- Experiment with alternative vinegars like rice or white wine vinegar to create unique flavor profiles.
- For a lower sugar version, replace some sugar with honey or use a sugar substitute like stevia.
- Store opened jars in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 weeks for optimal taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 126
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg