Extra-spiced cowboy candy (a.k.a. candied jalapeños), blends the fiery heat of jalapeños with the sweet allure of sugar, honey, and all sorts of flavorful spices. This is a fun-to-eat treat that works just as well as a snack as it does as a side to grilled meats, a topper for salads, or a garnish for tacos, desserts, and more.
Jalapeño peppers are known for their moderate heat, which provides a nice kick without being overwhelmingly spicy. Here, the heat of the jalapeños is beautifully complemented by the sweetness of granulated sugar and honey. This combo of sweet and spicy is such a satisfying flavor pairing. But that’s not all there is to this recipe.
What earns the “extra-spiced” label is the bold blend of spices. Ground turmeric, garlic powder, allspice, and cloves are added to the mix, each contributing its unique flavor profile to the overall taste of the candied jalapeños. The turmeric adds a subtle earthy flavor with a hint of pepper and bitterness. Garlic powder imparts a savory note to the mix. And finally, the allspice and cloves, bring a comforting sweet-spicy flavor, that just makes you feel warm all over.
Want a less-spiced version? Check out this basic cowboy candy recipe.
There are so many ways to use cowboy candy. Want a fun-to-eat spicy snack? Check. Need a topper for ice cream or cakes that’s different from the norm? They work splendidly. Need a bold side to that grilled steak. Candied jalapeños work. Take a look at some of the many ways to use cowboy candy and enjoy!
Like this recipe? You’ll love these too:
- Candied Jalapeño BBQ Sauce: One of our favorite ways to use cowboy candy! Such a delicious sauce for all sorts of grilled meats.
- Spiced Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Want a dessert to pair with candied jalapeños? Pineapple works very well.
- Spiced Candied Citrus Fruits: These sweet treats are so good chopped and used as a topper for ice cream, desserts, and more.
Extra-Spiced Cowboy Candy
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound jalapeño peppers
- 3/4 cup vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 2 clove buds
Instructions
- Rinse the peppers in cold water and dry. Cut off the stalks from each pepper and slice them into even circles about 1/4 inch thick. Do not remove the seeds.
- In a saucepan, pour in the sugar and all the spices. Pour in the vinegar and stir in the syrup. Bring it to a boil.
- Carefully add the sliced jalapeños to the syrup so they are fully submerged. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 4-5 minutes, until the jalapenos begin to soften slightly.
- Place the jalapeño circles into clean sterilized jarw. Continue boiling the syrup until thickened, about 5-7 minutes while stirring.
- Fill the jars with the jalapeños with the remaining syrup, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top of each jar. Cover the jars tightly with lids and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place the cowboy candy jars in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- Enjoy as a snack, side, or appetizer!