Making cowboy candy tames the fire of hot .
Candied jalapenos, also known as "cowboy candy," is a popular Texas treat made from jalapeno peppers cooked in sugar syrup. Recipes that follow this simple formula lack the acid necessary for safe canning. Variations of the recipe, designed for hot water canning, are modeled after tested recipes for jalapeno jelly. Vinegar is used in the same proportion found in the model jelly recipe, providing the acid critical to safe, hot-water canning of low-acid vegetables like jalapeno peppers..
Instructions
Prepare the Jars and Peppers
1. Place a rack in the bottom of the large pot and fill half way with water. The pot must be large enough to hold the jelly jars with enough water to cover them with 1 to 2 inches of water during the processing phase.
2. Place five 5-oz. jelly jars and lids into the large pot and bring to a simmer while you make the candy.
3. Remove the stems from 12-oz. of jalapeno peppers by cutting a thin slice off the end. It is best to wear gloves to avoid hot pepper burns.
4. Slice the peppers into 1/8 to 1/4-inch rounds.
Make the Candy
5. Combine 2 cups cider vinegar and 6 cups sugar with the pepper slices in a pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 10 minutes.
6. Remove a jar from the large pot with tongs, carefully emptying water into the pot. Place the jar funnel on the jar.
7. Ladle the peppers into the jar and cover with boiling syrup, leaving 1/4 inch of head space at the top of the jar. Repeat with remaining jars until all peppers have been used.
8. Place the lids on the jars and tighten the rings with your finger tips.
Can the Jars
9. Place the peppers in the large pot, covering the jars with an inch or two of water. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
10. Process in boiling water for 10 minutes, adjusting the time for your altitude.
11. Remove the jars from the large pot and cool. Test the seals in 24 hours. Properly sealed jar lids will not flex when pressed in the center. Place unsealed jars in the refrigerator for immediate use.
Tags: jalapeno peppers, boil over, boil over high, bring boil, bring boil over