CANDIED ALMONDS Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole almonds
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare Almonds:

Spread the almonds evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Toast them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they become fragrant.

Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Make Sugar Coating:

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine sugar, water, vanilla extract, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

Cooking Syrup:

Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, and then reduce the heat to medium-low.

Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the syrup slightly thickens.

Add Almonds:

Add the toasted almonds to the syrup, stirring continuously to coat the almonds evenly.

Coat Almonds:

Continue cooking and stirring for about 3-5 minutes, or until the syrup thickens and coats the almonds completely.

Spread on Baking Sheet:

Line a clean baking sheet with parchment paper.

Transfer the coated almonds to the baking sheet, spreading them out into a single layer, making sure they’re not clumped together.

Cooling:

Allow the candied almonds to cool completely.

They will continue to harden as they cool.

Break Apart:

Once cooled, break apart any clusters of almonds that may have formed during the cooling process.

Store:

Store the candied almonds in an airtight container at room temperature.

They should stay fresh for several weeks.

Enjoy your homemade candied almonds as a delicious snack, a topping for salads or desserts, or as a lovely gift for friends and family!