Pineapple Cowboy Candy

Introduction

I’ve always loved experimenting with different fruit preserves and candies, but there’s something about the combination of sweet pineapple with a spicy kick that has made Pineapple Cowboy Candy one of my all-time favorites. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of fresh pineapple with tangy apple cider vinegar, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to create a delightful treat that is both tangy and spicy. When I first made this for my family, they were a little skeptical about the combination of pineapple and heat, but as soon as they tasted it, they couldn’t stop eating! The sugar coating adds a nice crunch, making each bite a delicious mix of textures. It’s a great snack on its own, or it can be used as a topping for desserts, a condiment, or even an unexpected addition to salads or charcuterie boards. If you’re looking for a sweet treat with a spicy twist, this Pineapple Cowboy Candy is a must-try recipe that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 cups diced pineapple
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of salt

The key ingredients in this recipe include fresh pineapple, granulated sugar, and apple cider vinegar. The turmeric, cayenne, and ginger give the candy its distinctive flavor, while the sugar helps to balance the heat and create a syrupy texture that coats the pineapple pieces.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Pineapple Cowboy Candy:

1. Combine the Ingredients:
   In a large saucepan, combine the diced pineapple, sugar, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, cayenne pepper, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well mixed.
2. Cook the Mixture:
   Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent the sugar from burning. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Simmer and Thicken:
   Let the mixture simmer for about 45-60 minutes. As it cooks, it will thicken and become syrupy. Stir occasionally to ensure the pineapple pieces don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
4. Cool the Candy:
   Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. The syrup should be thick, but the pineapple pieces should still hold their shape.
5. Dry the Pineapple:
   Using a slotted spoon, transfer the candied pineapple pieces to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to cool and dry. The pieces should be slightly tacky but not overly wet.
6. Coat in Sugar:
   Once the pineapple pieces have cooled and become slightly tacky, roll them in additional sugar to coat them evenly. This step gives the candy its signature sweetness and texture.
7. Set the Candy:
   After rolling the pineapple pieces in sugar, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to set at room temperature. This will help them firm up and become more candy-like.
8. Store:
   Once the pineapple cowboy candy is fully set, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. The candy will keep for a long time and can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or used in a variety of other dishes.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 12 servings
• Calories per Serving: 90 kcal
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

These nutritional values are based on the standard ingredients used in the recipe and may vary depending on specific ingredients or portion sizes. This candy is a sweet treat, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. It’s a great snack for those who enjoy a little heat with their sweet!

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

The preparation time is relatively short, and the cooking time is just long enough to allow the flavors to meld together. The majority of the time is spent simmering the mixture to get the perfect syrupy texture.

How to Serve

This Pineapple Cowboy Candy is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Snack: Enjoy this candy as a sweet, spicy snack on its own. It’s perfect for satisfying your cravings between meals.
• With Cheese: Pair the candy with your favorite cheeses on a charcuterie board. The sweetness and spice complement rich, creamy cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar.
• On Top of Desserts: Add a spoonful of the candy to cakes, pies, or ice cream for an unexpected twist on your favorite desserts.
• In Salads: Use the candy as a topping for fruit salads, green salads, or even grain bowls to add a burst of flavor and texture.
• On Toast or Bread: Spread a little cream cheese or ricotta on toast or bread and top it with the pineapple cowboy candy for a delicious breakfast or snack.

Additional Tips

1. Adjust the Spice Level: If you like things milder, you can reduce the cayenne pepper. If you want it spicier, add more to suit your taste.
2. Use Fresh Pineapple: Fresh, ripe pineapple will give the best flavor and texture. Avoid using canned pineapple for this recipe.
3. Check the Thickness: If the syrup isn’t thickening after 45 minutes of simmering, increase the heat slightly and continue to stir until it thickens to your liking.
4. Let It Cool Completely: Ensure the pineapple pieces are completely cooled and slightly tacky before rolling them in sugar. This will help the sugar coat them evenly.
5. Store Properly: Store the finished candy in an airtight container to keep it fresh for longer.

Recipe Variations

• Tropical Cowboy Candy: Add other tropical fruits like mango or papaya to the mix for a unique twist on this candy.
• Spicy-Sweet Variations: Use other spices like cinnamon, allspice, or chili powder to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Sugar-Free Version: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol to reduce the sugar content of the candy while keeping the sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Spicy Snacks: If you’re serving this candy as part of a spread, pair it with spicy snacks like jalapeño poppers, spicy nuts, or hot wings to balance the sweetness.
• With Cocktails: The candy’s spice and sweetness make it a great accompaniment to cocktails like margaritas, rum punches, or piña coladas.
• As a Gift: Package the candy in cute jars or boxes and gift it to friends and family. It makes a great homemade treat for birthdays, holidays, or housewarming parties.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Pineapple cowboy candy can be frozen for up to 3 months. After it’s dried and coated in sugar, store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the candy from becoming sticky.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen pineapple instead of fresh?
   Fresh pineapple is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen pineapple if fresh isn’t available.
2. How do I prevent the candy from being too sweet?
   If the candy is too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar slightly or balance it with a bit more vinegar to cut the sweetness.
3. Can I make this candy ahead of time?
   Yes, this candy stores well and can be made a day or two in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container.
4. Can I use a different vinegar?
   Apple cider vinegar gives the candy its distinct tang, but you could use white vinegar if necessary.
5. How can I make the candy spicier?
   If you want more heat, simply add more cayenne pepper or other spicy chili powders to the mix.
6. How thick should the syrup be?
   The syrup should be thick enough to coat the pineapple but not so thick that it becomes hard. It should have a syrupy consistency.
7. Can I add other fruits to this candy?
   Yes! Other fruits like mango, peach, or pear can be substituted for or added alongside the pineapple.
8. What can I serve this candy with?
   This candy pairs well with cheese, desserts, or used as a topping for salads and other savory dishes.
9. Can I make this candy with a sugar substitute?
   Yes, you can use sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
10. How do I know when the candy is done?
    The candy is done when the pineapple pieces are coated in syrup and slightly tack

y, and the syrup has thickened to a syrupy consistency.

Conclusion

Pineapple Cowboy Candy is a fun and flavorful treat that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the kick of cayenne pepper and the warmth of turmeric and ginger. It’s an easy-to-make candy that’s perfect for snacking or as a unique topping for other dishes. With its balance of heat and sweetness, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or sharing it with friends, this candy will definitely make an impression!

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