Cranberry 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
Scale
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
