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Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy

Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy for Holiday Snacking

This Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy offers a delicious tangy twist with a zesty kick, perfect for holiday snacking.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 10 jars
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Candy
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries ensure they’re bright and plump for that perfect tartness
  • 2 whole jalapeño peppers, sliced remove seeds for a milder heat or keep them for an extra kick
  • 1 cup granulated sugar balances the tangy flavors wonderfully
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar adds a delightful tang and enhances preservation
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon brings warmth and a hint of nostalgia to your candy
For the Spices
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger adds a zesty warmth that complements the sweet and spicy notes
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves introduces an aromatic essence that deepens the flavor profile
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg a pinch of this spice rounds out the taste beautifully
  • ¼ teaspoon salt enhances and balances all the flavors beautifully
  • ½ cup water necessary for the simmering process and to dissolve the sugar

Equipment

  • Large Saucepan
  • cutting board
  • Sterilized jars

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by rinsing 2 cups of fresh cranberries under cold running water. Discard any bruised or damaged berries that don’t look fresh. Once you've washed them thoroughly, set the cranberries aside in a bowl, ready for the upcoming simmering process.
  2. Next, take 2 jalapeño peppers and slice them thinly, removing the seeds for a milder flavor. If you're feeling adventurous and enjoy heat, you can keep some seeds.
  3. In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of apple cider vinegar, and ½ cup of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture continuously until the sugar completely dissolves.
  4. Once the mixture reaches a gentle simmer, add the reserved cranberries and sliced jalapeños to the saucepan. Stir well to ensure the fruits are submerged in the syrup.
  5. Now, stir in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix everything thoroughly.
  6. Allow the mixture to continue simmering for about 10-15 minutes while stirring occasionally. Watch for the cranberries to start bursting and release their juices.
  7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
  8. With a sterilized jar ready, carefully pour the cranberry-jalapeño mixture into the jar, making sure to evenly distribute the cranberries and jalapeños.
  9. Allow the jars to cool down to room temperature before sealing them.
  10. For the best taste, refrigerate your Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy for at least 24 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1jarCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 35gSodium: 25mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Make sure to store in an airtight container for freshness and consider adjusting the heat level based on your preference.

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