Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy: A Sweet, Spicy Treat! Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for adding a kick to your snacks and meals. This easy-to-make preserve combines fresh cranberries with fiery jalapeños for a unique treat that’s both tangy and vibrant.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Step 2: Add the fresh cranberries and sliced jalapeños to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst.
- Step 4: Stir in the apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until well combined.
- Step 5: Continue simmering the mixture for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Step 6: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the candy to cool to room temperature before transferring it to clean jars.
- Step 7: Refrigerate the jars for at least 24 hours before serving to let the flavors develop fully.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before cooking to reduce heat without losing flavor.
- Try using red pepper flakes instead of jalapeños for a different type of heat and texture.
- Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist that complements the cranberries.
Storage
Store the cranberry jalapeño cowboy candy in airtight jars in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 weeks. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature or warm slightly. This candy is perfect for topping cream cheese, grilled meats, or as a flavorful addition to sandwiches.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used. Just thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
How spicy is this cowboy candy?
The spiciness depends on the jalapeños used and whether you keep the seeds. It offers a balanced heat that complements the sweetness, but you can adjust the quantity of jalapeños to suit your taste.
PrintCranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy: A Sweet, Spicy Treat! Recipe
Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy is a vibrant and zesty sweet-spicy preserve combining fresh cranberries and fiery jalapeños. This versatile condiment offers a delightful balance of tartness and heat, enhanced with garlic, onion, and apple cider vinegar, perfect for adding a flavorful kick to cheeses, sandwiches, and grilled meats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus at least 24 hours refrigeration)
- Yield: Approximately 1 to 1.5 cups 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the syrup: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved, creating a simple syrup base.
- Add cranberries and jalapeños: Add 2 cups of fresh cranberries and 1/2 cup of sliced jalapeños to the saucepan. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the cranberries to start breaking down.
- Simmer the mixture: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. During this time, the cranberries will burst, releasing their natural pectin and flavor into the syrup.
- Season the preserve: Stir in 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. These ingredients add complexity and depth to the cowboy candy.
- Final simmer: Continue to simmer the mixture for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to thicken slightly.
- Cool and jar: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry jalapeño mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Store to develop flavor: Transfer the cooled candy to sterilized jars and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This resting period intensifies the flavors and ensures a balanced sweet and spicy taste.
Notes
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
- For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before slicing.
- This cowboy candy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Serve as a topping on cream cheese, crackers, or grilled meats for a flavorful punch.
- You can adjust the sugar quantity if you prefer sweeter or less sweet preserves.
Keywords: cranberry jalapeño cowboy candy, spicy cranberry preserve, sweet spicy condiment, jalapeño jelly, American cowboy candy
