To make Candied Jalapenos, begin by putting on your food-safe gloves – this will keep you from accidentally transferring any of the spicy oil from the jalapenos to your face or eyes.

Remove the stems from the peppers and then slice them into 1/4 inch slices. Set the peppers aside.

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, bring the cider vinegar, white sugar, and spices to a boil over high heat. When it reaches a rolling boil, turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the sliced jalapeno peppers to the vinegar mixture and increase the heat to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat, and using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the jalapeno peppers (draining off the syrup) into your prepared jars. Fill the jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace at the top.

Place the syrup in the pot back onto the stove over medium-high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Boil for 6 minutes.

Remove syrup from heat and ladle it carefully into the jars with the jalapenos. Use a clean spoon to stir gently to remove any air pockets. Make sure to leave 1/4 inch headspace at the top.

If you are not canning the Cowboy Candy, it will last in closed jars in the fridge for about three weeks. If you want to can the candied jalapenos, follow the instructions below.

Once you have the candied jalapenos and syrup in the sterilized jars, wipe the rims and outside of the jars (that syrup is sticky!) with a warm, wet cloth or paper towel. Screw on the canning jar lids.

Carefully place the filled jars in a water bath canner and cover with hot water by 2 inches. Bring the water to a rolling boil. As soon as it begins boiling, set a timer for 10 minutes for half-pint jars or 15 minutes for pint jars.

After 10 minutes, turn off the heat but leave the jars in the hot water for an additional 5 minutes. Use canning tongs to gently transfer the jars to a cooling rack. Leave them uncovered to cool and seal. (See chart for high altitude canning if needed).