Hawaiian Cowboy Candy (Pickled Jalapenos)

From: xxxxxxxxx Prep Time: xx minutes
Serves:xxxxxx Cook Time: xx minutes
Directions
Ingredients
- Start by washing the fresh jalapeños, and trim off the stem end.
- Optional: To make cowboy candy less spicy, you can core or partially core
the peppers to remove some of the inner membrane and seeds
- Cut the jalapeños into ¼” round slices.
- On the stovetop, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugars, and seasonings in a large non-reactive pot. Simmer the syrup ingredients on medium high heat until all of the ingredients combine, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sliced jalapeños to the syrup mixture, bring to a boil, and then reduce to simmer for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the cooked jalapeno rings into clean jars, leaving the syrup behind in the pot. Fill the jars almost full (leaving at least ½” of head space) and lightly packed.
- Return the syrup to a boil and then simmer to reduce for about 8 to 10 minutes. This helps to thicken, sweeten and condense the syrup.
- Fill jars 1/3 full of pineapple chunks. pack firmly
- Ladle the hot cowboy candy syrup into the jars over the jalapeno rings, leaving ½ inch to ¼ inch of head room in the jar.
- For the most flavorful results, wait to consume your homemade cowboy candy for at least one week if using the refrigerator method, or at least 3 to 4 weeks after canning. The resting time allows the jalapeños to soak up that delicious syrup and spices! If the seasonings settle to the bottom of the jar, shake the jar lightly before use.
- To make candied jalapeños without canning, simply follow the recipe above but refrigerate the jars instead of canning them. After adding hot syrup to the jars of peppers, allow everything to cool slightly. Then add lids and move the jars to the refrigerator for storage.
- For optimum flavor, let the cowboy candy sit for at least a week to soak up the syrup and seasonings before trying it!
----Canning Instructions (Optional)----
- Follow standard Hot Pack Canning procedures
- process time for pints = 15 minutes, Half-pints = 10 minutes Add 5 minutes for altitudes 1000 - 6000 and 10 minutes for altitudes above 6000
- Store canned cowboy candy at room temperature in a cool dark place (e.g. pantry, cupboard, basement or root cellar). Refrigerate after opening and use within 3 months after opening.
- 2 pound of fresh jalapeños (about 25-25 large jalapeño peppers)
- 2 cup fresh or canned pineaple chunks
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1.5 cups apple cider vinegar (5% acidity, especially if canning)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 tsp granulated garlic)
1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- ½ tsp sea salt or pickling salt (not iodized table salt)