Cowboy Candy

A Little Spice in Your Life?

Sweet, spicy, and downright addictive, Cowboy Candy is a trail-tested favourite! Spoon it over cream cheese and crackers for an easy appetizer, or use it as a sweet and spicy glaze for chicken, pork, or beef.

Don’t let all those jalapeños scare you off — the sweetness balances the heat, making this a delicious addition to just about any meal.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds jalapeño peppers, sliced into ¼-inch rounds

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar

• 3 cups sugar

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp turmeric

• ¼ tsp celery seed

Instructions

1. Slice the jalapeños into ¼-inch rounds. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the peppers.

2. In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, turmeric, and celery seed. Bring to a boil.

3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Add the sliced jalapeños and bring the mixture back to a boil.

5. Reduce the heat and simmer for another 5 minutes.

6. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the jalapeños and pack them into a clean jar.

7. Bring the syrup back to a boil and gently boil for 6 minutes.

8. Carefully pour the hot syrup over the jalapeños, making sure they are well covered.

9. Allow to cool, then store in the refrigerator.

Cowboy Tip

For the best flavour, make your Cowboy Candy at least a week in advance. Giving it a little time to rest allows the sweet, spicy flavours to really come together. Want to please the Cowgirl in your life? Add pineapple and cherries to the mixture and you’ve got yourself Cowgirl Candy!

Doubling up? You can double the amount of jalapeños without doubling the syrup — there should be enough syrup for twice as many peppers.