Cowboy Candy: A Sweet Treat That's Easy to Can
Cowboy candy, also known as candied jalapenos, is a popular Southwestern snack that's both sweet and spicy. It's a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for adding a kick to your next gathering. And best of all, canning your own cowboy candy ensures you have a delicious and unique treat on hand whenever you crave it.
Why You Should Can Cowboy Candy
- Longer shelf life: Canning allows you to preserve the freshness and flavor of your cowboy candy for months, even years.
- Easy to make: The recipe is simple and straightforward, even for novice canners.
- Customizable flavors: You can adjust the sweetness and spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
- Great for gifting: Homemade cowboy candy makes a unique and delicious gift for friends and family.
Equipment and Ingredients You'll Need
- Jars and lids: Use pint or half-pint jars, along with new lids and rings.
- Canning pot: A large pot with a rack to hold jars while they process.
- Jalapeños: Choose firm, fresh jalapeños with a vibrant green color.
- Sugar: White granulated sugar is the most common choice, but you can also experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Vinegar: White vinegar is used for acidity and helps preserve the candy.
- Water: For processing the jars in the canning pot.
The Classic Cowboy Candy Recipe
This recipe makes approximately 4 pints of cowboy candy:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds jalapeno peppers, sliced thin
- 4 cups white granulated sugar
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Prepare the jalapenos: Wash and slice the jalapeños into thin rounds. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor or leave them in for a spicier kick.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large pot, combine the sliced jalapenos, sugar, vinegar, and water.
- Bring to a boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender and the syrup has thickened slightly.
- Pack the jars: While the candy is still hot, carefully pack it into clean, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
- Process: Place the filled jars in a canning pot with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil and process for 10 minutes.
- Cool and store: Remove the jars from the canning pot and allow them to cool completely. Once cool, check the lids to ensure they are sealed properly. Store your cowboy candy in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Tips for Success
- Adjust the sweetness and spice: You can adjust the amount of sugar or vinegar to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter candy, add more sugar. For a spicier version, leave the seeds in the jalapenos or add a few drops of hot sauce.
- Watch for foam: When boiling the syrup, skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
- Use a candy thermometer: A candy thermometer can help you ensure the syrup reaches the proper thickness.
- Use sterilized jars and equipment: Sterilizing your jars and equipment prevents contamination and ensures your candy is safe to eat.
Enjoy your Homemade Cowboy Candy!
Now that you've learned how to can your own cowboy candy, get ready to enjoy this delicious treat. Serve it as a snack, add it to cheese boards, or use it to top crackers and sandwiches. The possibilities are endless!
