Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe (Candied Jalapeños)

Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe From Pioneer Woman is the ultimate sweet and spicy mix! Perfect on burgers, sandwiches, nachos, or on their own! This Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe has quickly become a family favorite! The combination of fresh jalapeños and a sweet syrup creates a delightful treat that can elevate any meal or snack. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a tasty addition to your pantry, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The perfect balance of heat from jalapeños and sweetness from sugar makes each bite irresistible.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy it on burgers, sandwiches, or as a zesty topping for nachos. It also pairs well with cheese platters!
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create this delicious treat at home.
• Great for Gifting: These candied jalapeños make thoughtful gifts for friends and family who appreciate unique flavors.
• Long Shelf Life: When stored properly in the fridge, this Texas Cowboy Candy can last up to three months!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making the Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Slotted spoon
• Glass canning jars with lids
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Damp paper towel

Importance of Each Tool

• Large saucepan: Needed to boil the vinegar and sugar mixture effectively while allowing space for bubbling.
• Slotted spoon: Helps transfer jalapeño slices without excess syrup, ensuring proper jar filling.
• Glass canning jars: Essential for storing the cowboy candy safely while maintaining freshness.

Ingredients

For the Jalapeños

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh jalapenos (about 30 peppers)

For the Syrup

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed

How to Make Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe (Candied Jalapeños)

Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños

Remove and discard pepper stems, then cut peppers into 1/4-inch slices. Set pepper slices aside.

Step 2: Make the Syrup

Bring to a boil apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, garlic powder, turmeric, and celery seed in a large saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for five minutes.

Step 3: Add Jalapeños

Raise the heat to medium-high to re-boil the mixture. Once it is boiling, add pepper slices. Allow it to bring back to a boil, then decrease heat to medium-low and simmer for four minutes.

Step 4: Jar the Peppers

Transfer the peppers to clean glass canning jars using a slotted spoon, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top rim.

Step 5: Boil the Syrup

At this time, only syrup should remain in the saucepan. Raise heat to bring liquid back to a rolling boil. Continue boiling for about six minutes.

Step 6: Fill Jars with Syrup

Pour syrup over jalapeño slices in jars. If there are any air pockets, slide a clean spoon into the jar to release trapped air. Fill jars within 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the top rim.

Step 7: Seal Jars

Wipe jars’ rims with a damp paper towel, then screw on lids tightly. If desired, label jars and refrigerate for at least 1-2 weeks (3-4 weeks for optimal flavor). When refrigerated properly, your Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy will last up to three months.

How to Serve Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe (Candied Jalapeños)

Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy is a versatile dish that can elevate any meal with its sweet and spicy flavor. Whether enjoyed as a condiment or a snack, there are numerous ways to serve this delicious treat.

On Burgers

• Adding a spoonful of cowboy candy on top of your burger brings an exciting kick that complements the savory beef.

With Cheese Platter

• Serve these candied jalapeños alongside your favorite cheeses for a perfect balance of flavors. They pair wonderfully with sharp cheddar or creamy brie.

In Tacos

• Top your tacos with a few slices of cowboy candy for an added layer of sweetness and heat that will enhance every bite.

As a Snack

• Enjoy them straight from the jar as a quick snack. The crunchy texture and bold flavors make them addictive!

On Sandwiches

• Spread some cream cheese on bread, then layer on the jalapeño slices for a delightful twist on your regular sandwich.

With Nachos

• Drizzle over nachos along with melted cheese for an irresistible combination that’s perfect for game day or movie night.

How to Perfect Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe (Candied Jalapeños)

Perfecting this recipe involves attention to detail and some handy tips to ensure you achieve the best results possible.

• Use Fresh Jalapeños: Fresh peppers yield the best flavor and crunch. Always select firm, vibrant jalapeños for your candy.
• Slice Evenly: Cut peppers into uniform slices for even cooking. This ensures all pieces absorb the syrup equally.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar amount if you prefer it less sweet. Just remember that sugar balances the heat!
• Cook Time Matters: Monitor cooking times closely. Overcooking can turn your jalapeños mushy, so stick to the recommended simmer times.
• Storage Tips: Store in airtight jars in the fridge; they’ll stay fresh longer and develop more flavor over time.

Best Side Dishes for Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe (Candied Jalapeños)

Pairing side dishes with Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement its unique taste.

1. Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast drizzled with ranch dressing makes for a lean pairing that balances out the sweetness of cowboy candy.
2. Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread complements the spicy kick perfectly, making it a comforting side dish.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing well with the rich flavors of the candied jalapeños.
4. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad contrasts nicely with the heat and adds substance to your meal.
5. Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans pairs beautifully, making it an ideal companion at barbecues.
6. Fried Zucchini: Lightly battered fried zucchini offers a crispy texture that contrasts well with the soft candy.
7. Macaroni Salad: A classic macaroni salad brings in creaminess and complements the spiciness of cowboy candy.
8. Grilled Vegetables: Assorted grilled veggies add smokiness, providing depth alongside the bright flavors of candied jalapeños.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe a success, watch out for these common mistakes.

• Incorrect jalapeño preparation: Ensure you remove the stems and slice the jalapeños evenly. This allows for consistent cooking and flavor absorption.
• Ignoring simmer times: Don’t rush the simmering process. Allow the syrup to simmer for the full time to develop the best sweet and spicy flavor.
• Not checking jar cleanliness: Using unclean jars can lead to spoilage. Always ensure your canning jars are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized.
• Overfilling jars: Avoid filling jars too high. Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during cooling.
• Skipping air pocket removal: If air pockets form in your jars, they can affect preservation. Use a clean spoon to release trapped air before sealing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers or canning jars.
• Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three months.
• Label the jars with dates for easy tracking.

Freezing Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe (Candied Jalapeños)

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can last up to six months in the freezer.
• Make sure to leave some space for expansion as they freeze.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe (Candied Jalapeños)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place candy in an oven-safe dish, and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe!

What is Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy?

Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy is a delicious sweet and spicy treat made from candied jalapeños. It’s perfect as a topping or snack!

How long does it take to make this recipe?

The total time for the Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe is about 45 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Can I customize my Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy?

Absolutely! You can adjust the sugar level or add spices like cinnamon or cumin for unique flavors that suit your taste.

How should I serve Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy?

Enjoy it on burgers, sandwiches, nachos, or even straight from the jar! It adds a delightful kick to many dishes.

Final Thoughts

The Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe is a wonderful blend of sweet and spicy flavors that everyone will love. It’s versatile enough for various dishes or eaten alone as a snack. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or share it with friends at gatherings!