Description
Sweet and spicy pineapple cowboy candy delivers a tantalizing flavor explosion that dances between tropical and fiery notes. Candied pineapple chunks glazed with chili-infused syrup promise zesty excitement for those craving bold culinary adventures.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
Spice and Heat:
- 2 jalapeño peppers, sliced
- 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
Optional Enhancers:
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and prepare a clean, large saucepan for the candying process.
- Dice the fresh pineapple into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Thinly slice jalapeño peppers, removing seeds for a milder heat or keeping them for extra spiciness.
- Combine white sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and salt in the saucepan, creating a vibrant syrup base.
- Heat the syrup mixture over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until the sugar completely dissolves and the liquid becomes smooth and glossy.
- Add diced pineapple and sliced jalapeños to the simmering syrup, allowing the fruits to become translucent and absorb the sweet-tangy flavors.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the mixture, providing an additional layer of warmth and complexity.
- Simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even caramelization.
- Incorporate lime juice and vanilla extract during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking to brighten and round out the flavor profile.
- Remove from heat when the syrup thickens and the pineapple chunks look candied and slightly translucent.
- Allow the Pineapple Cowboy Candy to cool completely, which will help the syrup further thicken and intensify the flavors.
- Transfer to sterilized glass jars, ensuring the pineapple and jalapeños are evenly distributed in the sweet-spicy syrup.
Notes
- Maintain uniform pineapple cube sizes to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture during the candying process.
- Remove jalapeño seeds selectively based on personal heat tolerance, allowing customization of spice levels without compromising flavor complexity.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to elevate the final taste and ensure maximum flavor absorption during the simmering stage.
- Consider storing the Pineapple Cowboy Candy in sterilized glass jars for up to two weeks in the refrigerator, which helps preserve the vibrant sweet-spicy profile and prevents bacterial growth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg