Description
This zesty pineapple cowboy candy recipe brings a sweet and spicy kick to traditional preserves. Tropical flavors mingle with jalapeño heat, creating a condiment perfect for adventurous palates.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (454 grams) fresh jalapenos, sliced into rounds
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) fresh or canned pineapple chunks (drained if canned)
- 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp (2.5 grams) salt
- 1 tsp (5 grams) garlic powder
- ½ tsp (1 gram) turmeric (optional, adds color & depth)
- ½ tsp (1 gram) smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
- ¼ tsp (0.5 grams) cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Preparation: Slice jalapeños into thin rings, removing seeds for milder heat. Dice pineapple into small, consistent cubes that will harmonize with the peppers.
- Syrup Creation: In a saucepan, combine sugar, apple cider vinegar, and spices over medium heat. Whisk until ingredients merge into a smooth liquid, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Infusion Process: Add jalapeño rings and pineapple cubes to the simmering syrup. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring periodically, until jalapeños become soft and translucent, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Jarring: Transfer the infused jalapeños and pineapple to sterilized glass jars using a slotted spoon. Pour the hot, spice-infused syrup over the ingredients, ensuring complete coverage.
- Preservation: Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then seal jars tightly. Refrigerate for 24-48 hours to allow flavors to develop and deepen.
- Serving Suggestions: Use this vibrant relish as a dynamic topping for grilled proteins, spread on cream cheese, garnish tacos, or pair with classic barbecue dishes for an exciting flavor enhancement.
Notes
- Seed Removal Strategy: Remove seeds for milder heat, perfect for those with lower spice tolerance or serving to family with varied heat preferences.
- Precise Cutting Technique: Cut jalapeños and pineapple into uniform, thin rings and small cubes to ensure consistent flavor distribution and attractive presentation.
- Syrup Consistency Control: Watch syrup carefully while simmering, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and achieve a glossy, thick texture that coats ingredients perfectly.
- Preservation Tip: Sterilize glass jars thoroughly before adding the hot mixture to prevent bacterial growth and extend refrigerated shelf life up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 67 g
- Sodium: 42 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 77 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg