Cowboy Candy: A Sweet and Spicy Treat to Can
Cowboy Candy, also known as candied jalapeños, is a delicious and addictive snack that's perfect for any occasion. Its sweet and spicy flavor combination makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it's surprisingly easy to make and can be preserved for long-term enjoyment.
This article will guide you through the steps of making Cowboy Candy, focusing specifically on the canning process for long-lasting enjoyment.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound jalapeño peppers, rinsed and sliced (remove seeds for less spiciness)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Equipment for Canning:
- Canning jars: 8oz or pint size jars with lids and bands
- Canning pot: Large pot with rack for jars
- Jar lifter: For safely handling hot jars
- Lid lifter: For lifting lids into hot water
- Funnel: For pouring liquids into jars
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurement
- Large saucepan: For cooking the syrup
- Tongs: For handling peppers in hot syrup
Instructions for Making and Canning Cowboy Candy:
1. Prepare the Jalapeños:
- Rinse and slice the jalapeños to your desired thickness.
- Remove the seeds for a milder spice level.
2. Prepare the Syrup:
- Combine sugar, vinegar, water, salt, cumin, and pepper in a large saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
3. Pack the Jars:
- Pack the sliced jalapeños into clean canning jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
- Carefully pour the hot syrup over the jalapeños, ensuring each piece is covered.
4. Process the Jars:
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any syrup residue.
- Place lids on jars and screw on bands tightly.
- Place jars in a canning pot, ensuring the water level is at least 1 inch above the jars.
- Bring the water to a boil and process the jars according to the following time recommendations:
- 8oz Jars: 10 minutes
- Pint Jars: 15 minutes
5. Cool and Store:
- Carefully remove jars from the canning pot using a jar lifter and place them on a clean towel to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal, indicating proper processing.
- Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Tips for Success:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh jalapeños and good vinegar are essential for the best flavor.
- Adjust spices to your taste: Feel free to add more or less spice to your liking.
- Remove seeds for less heat: If you prefer a milder version, remove all seeds from the jalapeños.
- Check for proper sealing: Once cooled, make sure the lids are sealed properly by pressing on the center of the lid; it should not flex.
Enjoy this delicious and long-lasting treat! The combination of sweet and spicy will make this a favorite snack for any occasion!
