You Need to Try This
Pineapple Cowboy Candy
If you’ve spent time in the Southern USA 🇺🇸 you’re fully aware that there is a long tradition of combining fruits with chili peppers and making all sorts of tasty concoctions.
Here’s one that you can apply to 100’s of dishes in different ways (I’ll offer suggestions at end of the recipe).
We are combining Pineapple with Jalapenos (and a few other ingredients) to make a supremely tasty condiment, topper or spread.
This works really well with pineapple that has a nice level sweetness with light sour finish (like a ripe pineapple should be) plus the vegetal heat of jalapeño
And there you have it: Sweet, Sour & Spicy
I’m giving this to you now because as the holidays are here this makes a perfect starter topper to bring to parties, lunches or dinners… or you can jsr this up and give it out as gifts. 🎁
Did I mention yet this recipe is simple and quick?
Pineapple Cowboy Candy
Ingredients
3 cups diced pineapple (fresh, ideally)
1 c thinly sliced jalapeño (remove seeds and membranes if wanting to keep the heat level minimal)
1 c apple cider vinegar
2 c white granulated sugar
2 TB fresh lemon juice
1 tsp yellow mustard seed
1 tsp turmeric powder
1.5 TB fresh grated ginger
4 cloves finely chopped garlic
2 tsp sea salt
1-2 TB tequila blanco (optional)
Method
In a large saucepan combine all the ingredients except the pineapple and jalapeño. Bring to a boil over high heat stirring occasionally until sugar is melted.
Now add the pineapple and jalapeno, turn heat down to medium and simmer mixture; cooking down until the liquid becomes syrupy (approx 20-30 mins)
If you are wanting to jar these up and preserve, while the mix is cooking down for 20-30 mins you can get all your jars and lids sterilized and a water bath on the stove.
Once the Pineapple Cowboy Candy is done cooking, remove from the heat; now add the tequila (optional). If canning, ladle into prepped jars and boil for 10 mins.
If not canning, allow mix to cool until warm then ladle into jars or tupperwares and store in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Serving Suggestions:
Here a just a few ideas so you can see how versatile this Cowboy Candy is:
-Spoon over cream cheese to serve as a dip
-Blend the mix, then spoon over cream cheese if you want a smoother texture
-Serve over grilled pork chops
-Spoon on top of teriyaki cheeseburgers
-Serve alongside smoked chicken
-Use as a condiment in fish or pork tacos.
-Spoon on top of grilled fish.
-Scatter over nachos
-Add into a green salad with other vegetables
This is sure to make a memorable appetizer at Christmas parties this season. Enjoy!