Description

This Pineapple Cowboy Candy is a sweet and spicy preserve featuring fresh pineapple simmered in a tangy syrup of apple cider vinegar, sugar, and warming spices. The combination of red pepper flakes and ground ginger adds a perfect kick, making it an exciting condiment to elevate sandwiches, cheese platters, or grilled meats. Easy to prepare and ideal for gifting or enjoying at home, this bright and flavorful cowboy candy is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and heat.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp ground ginger
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the pineapple: Peel, core, and dice the medium fresh pineapple into small chunks, ensuring the pieces are bite-sized for even cooking and texture.
Mix the syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and ground ginger. Stir these ingredients together until fully blended to create your flavorful base.
Heat the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which helps dissolve the sugar and infuse the flavors.
Simmer with pineapple: Add the diced pineapple chunks into the boiling syrup, then reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Cool and optionally add mint: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for approximately 30 minutes. At this point, you can stir in fresh mint leaves if you want a fresh herbal note to your cowboy candy.
Jar and refrigerate: Transfer the cooled pineapple candy into sterilized jars and seal them tightly. Refrigerate the jars for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.

Notes

Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
Ensure jars are properly sterilized to extend shelf life safely.
This candy can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Use fresh pineapple for the best texture and flavor.
Adding fresh mint is optional but adds a nice herbal freshness.