Monday, August 3, 2020

Reviewing the Basics of Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapenos) Recipes

I just made a small batch of Cowboy Candy. While I probably will not be able to eat much of these candied jalapenos myself, my family members will love them. Meanwhile, I'm in love with the syrup and have already tried it in two different dishes. 



Cowboy Candy is the popular name for Candied Jalapenos. No matter which name you use, they are a delicious item to have in the pantry!

After about 30 years, I have decided to resume canning and preserving foods. Mostly in my preparation for moving to my land and my plans to have a garden. But also due to the difficulties in obtaining food at times during this crazy year. 2020 has been a difficult year for sure and has made me think about moving forward my canning timeline.

I chose to make Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapenos) because I know my family members love spicy food.  I love spicy foods but I have a hard time tolerating the heat. So I may or may not be able to eat much of this treat as a condiment. I bet I'll be able to eat it over nachos and as a topping on crackers with cream cheese (in small doses). 

What is in Cowboy Candy? 

There are many variations in Cowboy Candy recipes.  But there are three ingredients that are listed across the board: jalapenos, vinegar, and sugar. 

The basic steps are: 

  • slice or dice the jalapenos (wear gloves! I did not and regretted that decision)
  • bring the vinegar/sugar mixture to boil 
  • add any additional spices
  • add the jalepenos for a short period of time

if canning:
  • separate the jalapenos from the syrup and pack the jars with the peppers
  • add the syrup to the peppers
  • follow canning instructions to can them safely

if you make a very small batch, you could store this in the refrigerator for a limited period of time. 

I used 3 lbs of jalapenos and ended with two half pint jars and six quarter pints. I also ended up with extra syrup and had about three cups that I put in the fridge and canned five of the quarter pint jars.

I also followed the recipe from Foodie with Family. In this recipe, the spices included turmeric, celery seed, garlic, and cayenne pepper. 

Some recipes include pineapple. The next batch I make will definitely include pineapple!  

Other Uses for Candied Jalapeno Syrup

So far, I've used the syrup in two recipes.  I baked chicken thighs in the syrup and it made the most beautiful, delicious glaze. I served that over rice.



The second recipe, I used a bit over my sweet Italian sausage bits and drizzled the glaze over my pasta in place of tomato sauce. I could have allowed it to carmelize a bit more but I was hungry and in a hurry. People who are talented in the kitchen will find many delicious uses for this syrup/glaze. 



Related Links:

I look forward to gardening (when my Shack is replaced with a permanent home and I am able to live on my land). And while I've had some wildly successful tomato and green bean plants in the past, I definitely need more "garden to table" lessons. 

I watch these two ladies who practice farm-to-table in their everyday lives.  I'm including the links to their Cowboy Candy/Candied Jalapenos here - in case you are like me and want the step-by-step directions. 

That 1870's Homestead



Living Traditions Homestead



And finally, if you are curious about my land, The Shack, and my plans to live on my land, you can visit me at Treasure, Travel, Tales.





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


8 comments:

  1. These Candied Jalapenos sound great if you are "into" spicy stuff. I personally cannot tolerate anything spicy, but my 'kids' and the older of their kids LOVE it. I'll have to share this Cowboy Candy information with them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I make some with all the seeds or most of the seeds and I'll make some with less seeds and it's less hot but you still have a little bite and the flavor try that I also saved my syrup and use it on all kinds of basting grilling so awesome

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  2. Like Elf, I can't tolerate spicy foods (even "medium" salsa is too hot for me), but the concept sounds delicious for people who enjoy those types of foods. "Hot and sweet" is always a popular combo! Thanks for sharing.

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  3. I am certain my husband would love your Candied Jalapenos. I have never acquired a taste for jalapenos, but like you, we have several family member who love them.

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  4. I am saving this and certainly going to try this. In the meantime if you think you can't handle what you made I'll send you my address. Both of those recipes look delicious. Thanks!!

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  5. Oh Dawn, this sounds like something my family would like for sure. Me not so much! My stomach does not tolerate "hot" very well. I love it but the burn in my stomach makes me stop. I will share this with family and friends that I'm sure will appreciate it. Thanks!

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  6. wow, they look and sound so good! I had no idea this was even a thing! Leave it to ReviewThisReviews to introduce me to something new every week. I love the candied syrup you created for the chicken, yum!

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  7. This is a sweet heat and very good, I tried a little different twist and made this in a relish and is so very good. Some of my friends eat with cream cheese and crackers and refer to it as crack in a cracker. Lol

    ReplyDelete

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