Slice the jalapeños

• Wash and slice the jalapeños into rings, keeping the seeds for extra heat.

Make the sweet and spicy syrup

• Combine the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, smoked paprika, garlic powder and salt in a saucepan.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Candy the jalapeños

• Add the jalapeño rings to the syrup and simmer gently until they turn glossy and translucent.
• Stir occasionally so they cook evenly.

Spread the cream cheese

• Spread the softened cream cheese in an even layer over the bottom of a serving bowl or dish.

Pour over and serve

• Spoon the candied jalapeños and their syrup over the cream cheese.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with crackers or bread.