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Flavorful Strawberry Jalapeño Cowboy Candy

strawberry jalapeño cowboy candy - featured image

A sweet and spicy homemade preserve combining fresh strawberries and jalapeños with a smoky kick, perfect as a condiment or glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
  • 34 medium jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced, seeds included for heat
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse strawberries and jalapeños thoroughly. Hull and chop strawberries into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Thinly slice jalapeños, seeds included if you like heat. Set aside.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is clear.
  3. Stir in smoked paprika, yellow mustard seeds, turmeric powder, and salt.
  4. Add chopped strawberries and sliced jalapeños to the saucepan. Stir gently to combine evenly.
  5. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The mixture should thicken and become glossy, with strawberries softened but not broken down completely.
  6. Test the candy by spooning a small amount onto a chilled plate. Let cool for a minute and push with your finger; it should wrinkle slightly. If too runny, simmer longer.
  7. Carefully ladle the hot cowboy candy into sterilized jars, leaving a little headspace. Seal with lids and let cool completely at room temperature.

Notes

[‘Wear gloves when slicing jalapeños to avoid irritation.’, ‘Simmer on low heat and stir gently to prevent burning and preserve texture.’, ‘Use a heavy-bottomed pan to avoid scorching.’, ‘Adjust heat by removing jalapeño seeds or substituting peppers.’, ‘Test candy consistency on a chilled plate before jarring.’, ‘Store in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for longer storage.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry jalapeño cowboy candy, spicy preserves, sweet heat, homemade cowboy candy, jalapeño preserves, strawberry preserves