This “Sweet & Spicy Candied Cloves and Cinnamon Powder” recipe is less of a traditional culinary dish and more of a delightful aromatic and flavor enhancer, perfect for infusing a unique warmth and spice into various creations. The core components are whole cloves and ground cinnamon powder, transformed through a simple candying process. Cloves, known for their strong, pungent, and sweet-peppery flavor, are enhanced by being coated in a sugary syrup and then dried, creating small, intensely flavored, chewable candies that offer a burst of warmth. Cinnamon powder, a universally loved spice, contributes its sweet and woody aroma, acting as both a flavor agent and a coating. The process typically involves simmering the whole cloves in a sugar solution, allowing them to absorb sweetness and become tender, then drying them until they have a delightful crystalline crunch. The cinnamon powder is used either during the candying process or as a final dusting, adding another layer of aromatic complexity and visual appeal.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. These candied cloves can be enjoyed on their own as a unique confection, added to potpourri for a natural home fragrance, or incorporated into holiday baking for an extra layer of spice. The cinnamon powder, meanwhile, can be used to dust other desserts, flavor beverages, or infuse warmth into savory dishes. Together, they offer a powerful combination of sweet and spicy notes that can elevate a wide range of culinary and aromatic endeavors. This simple yet effective method of candying spices allows for creative uses beyond just cooking, making it a wonderful way to experience the potent and delightful properties of these ancient spices. It’s a project that is both rewarding for the senses and provides a unique ingredient for many applications.
The true artistry of this “Sweet & Spicy Candied Cloves and Cinnamon Powder” lies in harnessing the natural potency of these spices and transforming them into something both consumable and aromatic. Whole cloves are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, and their distinct flavor comes from eugenol, a powerful aromatic compound that provides their characteristic warmth and slightly numbing sensation. When cloves are “candied,” they are typically simmered in a sugar syrup, allowing them to soften slightly and absorb the sweetness, which balances their intense spiciness. This process mellows some of their sharper notes while preserving their aromatic essence. The sugar coating also creates a pleasant textural contrast – a crisp exterior giving way to a tender, chewy center. This makes them delightful as a standalone sweet treat, offering a complex flavor experience that is both sugary and potently spiced.
Cinnamon powder, derived from the bark of various Cinnamomum trees, is another superstar in the spice world. Its warm, sweet, and woody notes come from cinnamaldehyde. In this recipe, the cinnamon powder plays a dual role. It can be incorporated directly into the sugar syrup during the candying process for the cloves, infusing them with its flavor from the inside out. Alternatively, and perhaps more commonly for the “powder” aspect of the finished product, it can be used as a final dusting once the candied cloves have dried. This external coating not only adds an immediate burst of cinnamon flavor but also provides a beautiful, aromatic visual finish.
Beyond their individual contributions, the combination of cloves and cinnamon is a classic pairing in many cuisines around the world, particularly in desserts and warm beverages. The warmth of the cloves complements the sweetness of the cinnamon, creating a harmonious and comforting flavor profile. The finished candied cloves can be used in a myriad of ways: they can be stirred into hot cider or mulled wine, added to baked goods like apple pies or gingerbread cookies for an unexpected spicy kick, or even incorporated into savory dishes like slow-cooked pork or lamb for an exotic touch. The cinnamon powder, separate or as part of the coating, can be sprinkled over coffee, oatmeal, or fresh fruit. Furthermore, the strong aromatics of both spices make them excellent for non-culinary uses, such as in homemade potpourri or festive holiday decorations, as seen with the onion pomander in one of the images. This recipe is a clever way to prepare these spices for versatile applications, bridging the gap between edible delight and aromatic charm.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole cloves
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup ground cinnamon powder
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg or allspice for added complexity
Instructions:
Part 1: Prepare the Candied Cloves
- Prepare the Syrup:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups granulated sugar and 1 cup water.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup is clear. Do not boil vigorously yet.
- Infuse Cloves:
- Add the 1 cup whole cloves to the sugar syrup.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the cloves simmer in the syrup for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the cloves to soften slightly and absorb the sweetness from the syrup.
- Optional: If desired, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and/or ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg or allspice during the last 5 minutes of simmering for additional flavor notes.
- Cool and Drain:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cloves cool completely in the syrup. This allows them to continue absorbing flavor as the syrup cools and thickens.
- Once cool, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the candied cloves from the syrup. Place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or parchment paper to drain off excess syrup. Allow them to air dry for at least 4-6 hours, or even overnight, until they are no longer sticky to the touch. They should feel somewhat dry and slightly tacky.
Part 2: Prepare and Apply Cinnamon Powder Coating
- Prepare Cinnamon Powder:
- On a shallow plate or in a wide bowl, spread out the ½ cup ground cinnamon powder. You may want to use a separate bowl for mixing if adding other spices.
- Optional: If you want to create a spiced cinnamon powder blend, you can whisk the cinnamon with a pinch of finely ground ginger, cardamom, or more nutmeg to create a more complex aromatic mixture.
- Coat the Candied Cloves:
- Once the candied cloves are dry to the touch, gently place a small batch of them into the plate with the cinnamon powder.
- Roll and toss the cloves gently to ensure they are evenly coated on all sides with the cinnamon powder. You can use your hands, a spoon, or gently shake the plate.
- Repeat with the remaining candied cloves until all are coated.
- Final Drying:
- Transfer the cinnamon-coated candied cloves back to the wire rack for a final drying period, ideally for another 1-2 hours, to ensure the coating adheres well and the cloves are fully dry.
Part 3: Storage and Usage
- Storage:
- Once fully dried, store the Sweet & Spicy Candied Cloves and Cinnamon Powder in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for several weeks, or even longer, maintaining their flavor and aroma.
- Usage Ideas:
- As a Snack/Confection: Enjoy them on their own as a unique, spicy-sweet treat.
- In Beverages: Stir into hot apple cider, mulled wine, or hot tea for a burst of warm spice.
- Baking: Chop them finely and add to cookie dough, muffin batter, gingerbread, or fruit crumbles for an unexpected spicy note.
- Decorative/Aromatic: Use them in homemade potpourri, holiday ornaments (like pomanders using an onion base, as shown in the image), or as a festive garnish for desserts.
- Cinnamon Powder Uses: The remaining cinnamon powder can be used for dusting baked goods, sprinkling on coffee or oatmeal, or adding to other recipes.
Tips for Success:
- Gentle Simmer: Ensure the sugar syrup with cloves is kept at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to prevent the syrup from caramelizing too quickly and to allow the cloves to infuse properly.
- Thorough Drying: Adequate drying time is critical for the candied cloves to achieve the right texture and for the cinnamon powder to adhere properly. Don’t rush this step.
- Even Coating: Gently rolling the cloves in the cinnamon powder ensures an even and appealing coating.
- Syrup Reuse: The leftover clove-infused sugar syrup can be strained and saved! It makes a fantastic simple syrup for cocktails, iced tea, or drizzling over pancakes or waffles.
- Creative Combinations: Feel free to experiment with other warm spices in the coating or syrup, such as ginger, cardamom, or a tiny pinch of white pepper for an extra kick.
- Gifting: These candied cloves make for a unique and thoughtful homemade gift, especially during the colder months or holidays. Package them in small, decorative jars or bags.
This recipe for Sweet & Spicy Candied Cloves and Cinnamon Powder offers a delightful way to explore the aromatic world of spices, yielding a versatile ingredient that can add warmth, flavor, and elegance to many aspects of your home.