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Cranberry Candied Jalapenos

A delightful twist on traditional cowboy candy, merging the sweet tartness of cranberries with the spicy kick of jalapenos, perfect for snacks or cheese boards.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cowboy Candy, Cranberry Jalapenos, holiday treats, Spicy Candy, Sweet and Spicy
Servings: 6 jars
Calories: 200kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh jalapenos, sliced Wear gloves while handling to protect your hands from the spice.
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries Fresh cranberries are preferred, but frozen can be used if necessary.
  • 3 cups granulated sugar Creates the syrup base.
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper Adjust based on heat preference.
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Optional Ingredients

  • citrus zest For added flavor.
  • ginger slices For added flavor.
  • cinnamon sticks For added flavor.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Wash the jalapenos thoroughly and slice them into rings, removing the seeds if you want to reduce the heat.

Cooking

  • In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Heat over medium heat until it reaches a boil, stirring regularly until the sugar has fully dissolved.
  • Once the syrup is boiling, add the fresh cranberries to the saucepan and let them simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cranberries start to pop and soften.
  • Add the sliced jalapenos to the saucepan and allow them to simmer for an additional 4-5 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the jalapenos and cranberries into sterilized jars. Pour the hot syrup over the top, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top of each jar.
  • Seal the jars tightly. For refrigerator storage, these can last up to 2 months. For longer storage, process the jars in a water bath for 10 minutes, and let the jars sit for at least 2 weeks to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

These candied jalapenos are perfect for cheese boards, sandwiches, or cocktails. Experiment with additional flavors like citrus zest or ginger.