Description
Pineapple Cowboy Candy is a sweet and spicy condiment featuring candied jalapeños and fresh pineapple simmered in a tangy, flavorful syrup. Perfect for adding a zesty kick to burgers, charcuterie boards, or cream cheese dips, this vibrant relish combines heat and sweetness with aromatic spices for a versatile and delicious topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups sliced jalapeño peppers (fresh)
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, ground ginger, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Simmer the syrup: Reduce the heat to low and let the syrup simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add jalapeños and pineapple: Stir in the sliced jalapeños and diced pineapple to the simmering syrup. Continue to simmer for another 4-5 minutes until the jalapeños begin to darken slightly, indicating they are nicely candied.
- Fill the jars: Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the jalapeños and pineapple into sterilized half-pint jars, packing them tightly but gently.
- Thicken the syrup: Bring the syrup back to a boil and cook for an additional 5 minutes to thicken it slightly, enhancing the glaze that will coat the peppers and pineapple.
- Fill jars with syrup: Pour the hot syrup over the contents in the jars, ensuring to leave about ¼ inch of headspace for expansion during storage.
- Seal the jars: Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth, then apply the lids and rings securely.
- Process jars (optional): If preserving for long-term storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
- Cool and store: Allow the jars to cool to room temperature. Store refrigerated if consuming within a few weeks, or in a cool, dark place if canned and sealed properly.
Notes
- Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
- This sweet and spicy condiment is perfect for burgers, charcuterie boards, or stirred into cream cheese as a dip.
- You can substitute canned pineapple if fresh pineapple is unavailable.
