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Cowboy Candy Jalapeños

Sweet and spicy jalapeño pickle that offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, great as a topping or snack.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 pint jars
Course: Appetizer, Condiment
Cuisine: American
Calories: 35

Ingredients
  

For the Jalapeños and Brine
  • 6 pounds fresh jalapeños sliced into rings about 1/4-inch thick (seeds removed or kept for extra heat)
  • 6 cups white vinegar 5% acidity
  • 6 cups sugar
  • 6 teaspoons salt
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • 3 teaspoons mustard seeds
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric

Equipment

  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Large stainless steel pot (at least 4 quarts)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Slotted spoon for handling jalapeños
  • Glass pint or half-pint jars with lids (4 to 6 jars)
  • Canning funnel (optional but helpful)
  • Large bowl for soaking jalapeños
  • Colander for draining
  • Hot pad or oven mitt

Method
 

  1. Wash the jalapeños thoroughly under cold running water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Using a sharp knife, slice each jalapeño into rings about 1/4-inch thick and remove most of the seeds.
  3. In a large pot, combine 6 cups of white vinegar, 6 cups of sugar, and 6 teaspoons of salt. Stir over medium-high heat until the sugar completely dissolves (about 3 to 4 minutes).
  4. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, and turmeric to the pot, stirring well to distribute evenly. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
  5. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil for exactly 5 minutes.
  6. Carefully add all the sliced jalapeños to the boiling brine, stirring gently to submerge them.
  7. Reduce heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the jalapeños into clean, hot jars, leaving about 1/2-inch headspace. Pour the hot brine over them, maintaining the same headspace.
  9. Immediately place the lids on the jars while everything is hot and let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

Notes

Perfect as a topping for tacos, nachos, or cream cheese and crackers.