Cowboy Candy - Candied Jalapeño Recipe

Steph Foster's signature Cowboy Candy recipe.

The summer of 2020 we grew "a few" jalapeno plants. To our surprise we ended up with copious amounts of the little peppers. I asked for ideas on what to do with them (I wanted to sell them) and the neighbour suggested we make "cowboy candy". And so the journey began. I made 6 variations of it that summer. I tried lots of sugar (6 cups) down to a version using 1 cup of honey. The constant... they were all amazing in their own way. I liked a medium balance and this is the recipe shown below.

Let's get started but first I will say there is an art to this. You have to take a few steps but it's worth it.

What do you use Cowboy Candy for?

Smoked brie topped with cowboy candy.

Some ways I like to use it:

• On its own! It's a sweet heat treat

• Serve over smoked baked brie, or with crackers and cheese (spreadable Balderson cheddar is a FAVE!)

• In cocktails - think Candied Mojito!

• In a cream cheese ball or dip

• Great for charcuterie feature items as it pairs so well with aged sharp cheeses

• Use it as a hamburger or hot dog condiment

• Jars make great gifts for holidays

KEY  TIPS

Please wear gloves when cutting the hot peppers.

Below are some helpful tips and tricks to consider before making this recipe:

1. WEAR GLOVES WHILE CUTTING the peppers. Don't think you can outsmart that heat under your fingernails and incase you didn't read that before soak your hands in milk to sooth the burn. 

2. USE VENTILATION! Please ensure you have an overhead fan on as cooking the peppers will release fumes.

3. Use a larger pot. I don't mean stock pot but use a much larger pot that a 2 cup. The syrup will bubble up a lot. This is normal but I learned the tough lesson on my first attempt. 

4. Use fresh jalapenos. The fresher the better. 

5. Use smaller jars. They shrink from original size when cooking and make easier for serving later. 

6. Save the brine. It is great on chicken wings, in dips or cocktails and more! Spicy sweet syrup with so many possibilities. 

7. This is a small batch recipe. Multiply for larger quantities.

COWBOY CANDY RECIPE

•  1 cup apple cider vinegar

•  3 cups of sugar*

•  1/2 tsp. garlic powder

•  1/2 tsp. turmeric

•  1/2 tsp celery seed (have used celery salt as a substitute with success)

• 30 or so fresh jalapeno peppers, sliced 1/4” thick

1. In a larger sized pot combine all ingredients except the jalapenos.

2. Boil for 5 min. It will bubble up.

3. Add peppers. Cook for 5 minutes.

4. Spoon out peppers into jars using a slotted spoon or strainer.

5. Continue to cook syrup for 5-10 minutes longer.

6. Let cool for 20 min before filling jars.

7. Seal jars and store fridge.

If you can wait 1-3 weeks before opening they’re best then. I do not do a boiling seal process as I make them small batch and they don't last very long. Use a standard sealing process in a large pot if using as gifts or to extend shelf life.

 Notes: you can go up to 6 cups or as low as 2 cups. I’ve substituted honey too but used only 1 cup. I prefer sugar or honey sugar combo as it candies better. 

Please let me know if you try this recipe or if you have tweaks you enjoyed. Thank you!

A fresh batch of homemade cowboy candy