Description
Sweet Southern charm meets spicy-sweet magic in this Pineapple Cowboy Candy, blending tropical tang with jalapeño heat. Crisp pineapple chunks caramelize into irresistible candied bites you’ll crave with every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) fresh or canned pineapple chunks (drained if canned)
- 1 pound (454 grams) fresh jalapenos, sliced into rounds
Sweeteners and Acids:
- 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
Spices and Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon (1 gram) turmeric (optional, adds color & depth)
- ½ teaspoon (1 gram) smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5 grams) cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Carefully slice jalapeños into delicate rings, opting to remove seeds for a gentler heat profile. Dice fresh pineapple into petite, uniform cubes that will complement the peppers.
- Construct a vibrant syrup by combining sugar, apple cider vinegar, and aromatic spices in a gleaming saucepan. Activate medium heat, whisking ingredients until they harmonize into a bubbling liquid, then reduce temperature to allow gentle simmering for approximately 5 minutes.
- Gently introduce jalapeño rounds and pineapple fragments into the simmering syrup. Allow ingredients to meld and transform, stirring periodically, until jalapeños soften and acquire a glistening, translucent appearance – roughly 10-15 minutes.
- Utilize a perforated spoon to carefully transfer the infused jalapeños and pineapple chunks into sterilized glass containers. Cascade the hot, spice-laden syrup over the ingredients, ensuring complete submersion and creating a tantalizing preserve.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then securely seal the jars. Refrigerate and exercise patience, permitting flavors to intensify over 24-48 hours before indulging in this zesty condiment.
- Elevate culinary creations by spooning this vibrant relish atop grilled meats, spread across cream cheese, nestled in tacos, or as a bold accompaniment to classic barbecue dishes.
Notes
- Carefully remove jalapeno seeds to control the heat level, making the candy milder for sensitive palates.
- Opt for fresh pineapple to enhance the vibrant, sweet-tangy flavor profile of the cowboy candy.
- Experiment with different vinegars like rice or white wine vinegar for subtle taste variations.
- Use gloves when handling jalapenos to prevent skin irritation from capsaicin oils.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 286
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 0.3 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 71 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg