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Friday, June 22, 2012

Candied Jalapenos

You need:
3 pounds of fresh jalapeno peppers, washed well
2 cups vinegar, cider vinegar is best but you can use half cider half white or all white
6 cups of sugar
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
3 teaspoons garlic powder OR 3 fresh cloves, minced
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, ground

Wear gloves to slice your peppers.  DO NOT skip wearing gloves.  I'll say it again, wear gloves!  Remove the stems and slice jalapeno peppers about a 1/4 inch thick or whatever you like best and set them aside.

In a large pot, add vinegar, sugar, turmeric, celery seed, garlic and cayenne pepper.  Stir to mix well and  bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes.  Add the jalapeno slices and let simmer 4 to 5 minutes.  Using a "holey" spoon transfer the peppers into hot clean sterilized jars leaving about 1/4 inch at top.  Bring the syrup mixture back up to a rolling boil and let cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and ladle syrup into the jars over the jalapenos.  You may need to tap the jars to release air bubbles.

Wipe the rims clean with a folded paper towel dipped in boiling water to clean and top with lids & rings.  I had leftover syrup that I also canned.  Hot water bath your jars for 10 minutes.  Remove from bath and let stand overnight.  Remove lid rims, wash jars and rims to remove any water residue.  I have hard water so this step is important to keep the integrity of the rings and lids.  Let the peppers age at least a couple of weeks before eating; longer aging is better.  I only got 6 half pints from this recipe, but I didn't  weigh my jalapenos, just eyeballed them.  I also got three half pints of "jalapeno honey" or leftover syrup.  I will use this in marinades and salad dressings for a good kick.  I will definitely make this again....I have plenty of peppers to use up!
NOTE:  During this whole process, do not touch your face and eyes!  As soon as I was done I took a shower to prevent any unnecessary accidental burning of face and eyes.