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Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy Recipe

5 from 119 reviews

Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy is a vibrant, tangy condiment that combines fresh cranberries and fiery jalapeños simmered with sugar and apple cider vinegar to create a thick, flavorful preserve. Perfect as a unique topping for cheeses, crackers, or grilled meats, this easy-to-make cowboy candy brings the perfect balance of sweet heat to your culinary creations.

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 large pot, add 2 cups of fresh cranberries, 2 cups of chopped jalapeño peppers, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup water. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together.
  2. Bring to a Boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This step dissolves the sugar and starts the cooking process to release the flavors.
  3. Simmer and Thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The mixture will thicken and the cranberries will burst, creating a chunky, jam-like consistency.
  4. Jar the Mixture: Pour the hot cranberry jalapeño mixture carefully into sterilized jars. Use a ladle or spoon to transfer the candy, leaving appropriate headspace.
  5. Cool and Seal: Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, seal the jars with lids and store appropriately as per your desired shelf life.

Notes

  • Store the cowboy candy in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks for best freshness.
  • For extended storage, process the jars in a water bath canner following proper canning procedures.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the heat level according to personal preference.

Keywords: cowboy candy, cranberry jalapeño jam, spicy condiment, sweet and spicy preserve, jalapeño relish