Description
This Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy blends sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors into one irresistible treat. Fresh jalapeños are candied in a spiced syrup with tart cranberries for a festive twist, perfect for holiday spreads, snacking, or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900 g) fresh jalapeños, sliced into rings
- 1 cup (100 g) fresh cranberries
- 3 cups (600 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Optional: extra cranberries for garnish in jars
Instructions
- Prepare Jalapeños: Wash and slice jalapeños into even rings. Wear gloves if sensitive to pepper oils.
- Make Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, turmeric, celery seed, garlic powder, and cayenne. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Add Jalapeños and Cranberries: Stir in jalapeño slices and cranberries. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until jalapeños are glossy and cranberries soften slightly.
- Fill Jars: Pack jalapeños and cranberries into sterilized jars using a slotted spoon. Ladle hot syrup over, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
- Seal and Store: For refrigerator cowboy candy, cool before sealing and refrigerate. For longer storage, process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm jalapeños for best texture.
- Simmer gently to avoid bursting cranberries.
- Apple cider vinegar adds depth over plain vinegar.
- Adjust sweetness and heat with more sugar or cayenne.
- Refrigerated jars last up to 3 months; canned jars up to 1 year.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Condiment / Preserve
- Method: Simmered / Canned
- Cuisine: Southern Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1–2 tablespoons
Keywords: Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy, Candied Jalapeños, Cowboy Candy with Cranberries, Jalapeño Canned Recipes, Cranberry Jalapeño Jelly, Festive Preserves, Holiday Gift Recipes