Go Back
Sweet and Spicy Candied Jalapenos Recipe (Cowboy Candy)

Sweet and Spicy Candied Jalapenos (Cowboy Candy)

Glossy jalapeno rounds simmered in a sweet, tangy, garlicky syrup with turmeric, celery seed, and cayenne. This canning-style recipe makes about six half-pint jars, depending on pepper size and how full the jars are.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 pounds Fresh jalapeno peppers, stems removed and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
Syrup
  • 2 cups Apple cider vinegar, 5% acidity
  • 6 cups Granulated sugar
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon Celery seed
  • 3 cloves Garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cayenne pepper

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Wear gloves while handling the jalapenos. Remove the stems and slice the peppers into 1/4-inch rounds, leaving the seeds and membranes in for maximum heat or removing some for a milder batch.
  2. Combine the 5% acidity apple cider vinegar, sugar, turmeric, celery seed, garlic, and cayenne in a large nonreactive pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then boil for about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the sliced jalapenos to the boiling syrup and return the mixture to a boil. Cook for approximately 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers soften slightly but remain recognizable and somewhat crisp.
  4. Use a slotted spoon to pack the hot peppers into hot, sterilized half-pint canning jars. Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace in each jar, then ladle the hot syrup over the peppers while maintaining the same headspace.
  5. Remove air bubbles, wipe the jar rims clean, and apply the lids and rings. Process the jars in a boiling-water canner for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude according to current canning guidance.
  6. Let the jars cool undisturbed, then check the seals. Refrigerate any jar that does not seal, and remember that the syrup thickens somewhat as it cools.

Notes

Use vinegar labeled 5% acidity and keep the vinegar-to-sugar and pepper proportions unchanged for safe shelf-stable canning. Do not overcook the peppers, and refrigerate any unsealed jar.