Sure! Here’s a comprehensive and detailed recipe for 🍍 Pineapple Cowboy Candy, also known as Sweet & Spicy Candied Pineapple — a bold, tangy, and addictive condiment that brings a tropical twist to a Southern favorite.
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🍍 Pineapple Cowboy Candy: Sweet Heat with a Tropical Twist 🌶️
🔖 Introduction
Pineapple Cowboy Candy is a deliciously addictive fusion of candied jalapeños and tropical pineapple, preserved in a sweet, spicy syrup. Traditionally, “cowboy candy” referred to sweet-pickled jalapeño slices — a popular Southern condiment. Adding pineapple gives it a juicy, bright pop of flavor that makes it perfect on burgers, tacos, sandwiches, cream cheese spreads, or straight from the jar.
Whether you’re looking to spice up your charcuterie board or preserve summer in a jar, this recipe delivers sweet, tangy, and spicy all in one bite.
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🍍 Ingredients
Fruit & Veg:
3 cups fresh pineapple, cut into bite-sized chunks or half-moon slices
6–8 fresh jalapeño peppers, sliced into rings (adjust based on heat preference)
Syrup Base:
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Pinch of salt
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🥣 Instructions & Method
Step 1: Prepare the Produce
1. Peel and core the pineapple, cutting it into small chunks or thin half-rings.
2. Slice jalapeños into rings. If you want milder heat, remove some or all of the seeds.
3. Set both aside.
Step 2: Make the Sweet-Spicy Syrup
1. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, ginger, cayenne (if using), and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
3. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Step 3: Add the Fruit & Peppers
1. Add the pineapple chunks and jalapeño slices to the syrup.
2. Simmer for another 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pineapple should become more translucent, and the peppers will soften.
Step 4: Jar & Store
1. Use a slotted spoon to pack the fruit and jalapeños into sterilized jars.
2. Pour the hot syrup over them, leaving ½-inch headspace.
3. Wipe rims clean, seal jars with lids, and allow to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
📦 Optional for Long-Term Storage: Process jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes for shelf-stable preservation.
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🕰️ Formation / Storage Tips
Allow the jars to sit for at least 1 week before eating to let the flavors meld.
Stored in the fridge, they last for up to 3 months.
Properly canned jars last up to 12 months in a cool, dark pantry.
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📜 History of Cowboy Candy
The original cowboy candy was created in Texas, often using sliced jalapeños preserved in a syrup of sugar and vinegar. The idea was to preserve the heat with a sweet twist — a technique rooted in Southern and Tex-Mex traditions. Adding pineapple to the mix is a more recent tropical innovation, bringing both acidity and brightness.
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💡 Benefits of Pineapple Cowboy Candy
Digestive aid: Pineapple contains bromelain, which helps digestion.
Immunity boost: Vitamin C in pineapple + capsaicin in peppers = immune power!
Flavor explosion: Combines sweet, spicy, sour, and umami.
Versatile condiment: Use it on toast, tacos, cheese boards, or grilled meats.
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👫 Lovers of Pineapple Cowboy Candy
Spicy food lovers adore the slow-building heat.
Food preservers love the balance of flavor and long shelf-life.
BBQ fans use it as a glaze or topping for pulled pork and burgers.
Cheese board curators pair it with brie, sharp cheddar, or goat cheese.
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🧪 Nutritional Info (approx. per 1 Tbsp serving):
Calories: 25
Carbs: 6g
Sugars: 5g
Vitamin C: 8% DV
No fat or cholesterol
(Note: nutritional values vary based on size and ingredients)
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✅ Conclusion
Pineapple Cowboy Candy is a jar of sunshine with a fiery twist — a conversation starter and flavor booster that straddles the line between preserve and condiment. Its beautiful golden hue and complex flavor profile make it a must-try for food lovers looking to spice up their pantry.
Make a batch, gift a jar, and get ready to answer, “What is this magic on my cracker?”
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Would you like a printable label or small-batch version for gifting?