Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy Recipe

Introduction

Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy is a delightful balance of tart cranberries and fiery jalapeños, perfect for adding a kick to your meals. This homemade treat is great on sandwiches, cheeses, or as a unique condiment to brighten up any dish.

A clear glass jar with a golden metal lid is filled with bright red cherry tomatoes and green chili peppers layered inside a golden-orange spicy pickling liquid. The tomatoes and peppers are whole and tightly packed, showing shiny and smooth textures through the glass. The jar sits on a white marbled surface with soft light creating shadows and reflections that highlight the vibrant colors inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 2 cups jalapeño peppers, chopped
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine the cranberries, chopped jalapeños, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water in a medium pot.
  2. Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
  3. Step 3: Carefully pour the hot mixture into sterilized jars.
  4. Step 4: Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature before sealing them tightly.

Tips & Variations

  • Use gloves when chopping jalapeños to avoid irritation from the pepper oils.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar or peppers to make it sweeter or spicier according to your taste.
  • For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before chopping.
  • Try adding a touch of cinnamon or ginger for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage

Store the sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Once opened, keep refrigerated and use within two weeks. This cowboy candy can also be frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently before serving if desired.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with three layers of small round peppers submerged in bright red liquid. The top layer is made of shiny red peppers, the middle layer contains mixed red and green peppers, and the bottom layer consists of mostly green peppers with some red ones. The jar has a gold metal lid and is placed on a white marbled surface with soft natural light coming from the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used and may actually help the mixture break down more easily. Just thaw them slightly before cooking.

Is it necessary to sterilize the jars?

Sterilizing jars is important to prevent spoilage and ensure your cowboy candy stays fresh longer. You can sterilize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or using a dishwasher cycle on high heat.

Print

Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy Recipe

Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy is a vibrant, tangy condiment blending fresh cranberries and fiery jalapeños with a sweet and tangy syrup. Perfect for adding a zesty kick to sandwiches, cheese boards, or grilled meats, this homemade cowboy candy balances sweetness and heat with a luscious, thick texture.

  • Author: Rita
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 2 cups 1x
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 2 cups jalapeño peppers, chopped
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized pot, combine 2 cups of fresh cranberries, 2 cups of chopped jalapeño peppers, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup of water. This mixture will form the base for your cowboy candy.
  2. Boil Mixture: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. This step helps to dissolve the sugar and starts breaking down the cranberries and jalapeños.
  3. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure the mixture thickens evenly into a jam-like consistency.
  4. Jar the Candy: Pour the thickened mixture carefully into sterilized jars while it is still hot. This step is important for preserving the candy safely.
  5. Cool and Seal: Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature before sealing with lids. Once sealed, the cowboy candy is ready to be stored and enjoyed.

Notes

  • Use gloves when chopping jalapeños to avoid skin irritation from the capsaicin.
  • Ensure jars are properly sterilized to prevent contamination and prolong shelf life.
  • This candy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or canned for longer shelf life.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the heat level to your preference.

Keywords: cranberry jalapeño cowboy candy, sweet spicy condiment, homemade cowboy candy, jalapeño jam, cranberry jam, spicy jam

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