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Candied Sliced Almonds
*Ingredients
• 2 cups sliced almonds
• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup water
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
*Instructions
1. Prepare the Sugar Mixture
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugars are fully dissolved.
2. Bring to a Simmer
Once the sugars are dissolved, bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to bubble gently for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sugar mixture should thicken slightly and become bubbly but not burn. Stir continuously while the sugar mixture is bubbling to prevent any burning or sticking.
3. Add the Almonds
Once the sugar mixture is bubbling and has thickened, add the sliced almonds. Stir to coat the almonds evenly with the sugar mixture. Continue to cook and stir for about 6–8 minutes, until the sugar starts to crystallize and coat the almonds.
4. Caramelize the Almonds
Keep stirring frequently to ensure the almonds don’t burn. The sugar will begin to harden and form a crispy coating on the almonds. This step takes around 6–8 minutes, so be patient as the sugar turns golden and crystallizes.
5. Sprinkle with Coarse Sea Salt
While the almonds are still warm, sprinkle them with coarse sea salt to add a sweet-salty contrast.
6. Cool and Separate
Let the almonds cool completely in the pan or transfer them to a baking sheet to cool and harden further. The sugar will continue to firm up as they cool, giving you a crispy texture. #letschat #almonds #foodrecipe #lemon8foodie #recipeideas
After making my first batch of these delightful candied sliced almonds following this recipe, I truly understood why they're such a beloved treat! The aroma filling my kitchen was just heavenly, and the taste? Even better. While the core recipe is fantastic, I've gathered a few extra insights and practical tips that have made my candied almonds even more special and versatile, and I'm excited to share them with you. One of the best things about homemade candied sliced almonds is their incredible versatility. Beyond just enjoying them straight out of the bowl (which, let’s be honest, is a perfectly valid and frequent occurrence in my home!), they can elevate so many dishes. I absolutely adore sprinkling them over my morning Greek yogurt or oatmeal for an added layer of texture and sweetness – it feels like a gourmet breakfast! They're also an absolute game-changer on salads, especially those featuring fruits like berries or apples, and a tangy vinaigrette. Imagine a pear and gorgonzola salad topped with these crunchy, sweet gems! For desserts, they're a dream come true when scattered over ice cream, puddings, or even as a decorative and tasty element on cakes and cupcakes. And if you're looking for a thoughtful, handmade gift, a small jar of these beautifully coated candied almonds is always a winner. To ensure your candied almond slices achieve that perfect balance of crunch and sweetness, I've learned a couple of crucial tips. First, the continuous stirring during the caramelization phase is non-negotiable. It truly helps prevent hot spots and ensures every single almond slice gets evenly coated without burning. Also, once they're done, immediately spreading them out on a sheet of parchment paper is key. This prevents them from clumping together into one big block and makes separating them into individual pieces much easier once they've cooled and hardened. For an even richer flavor, sometimes I'll add a tiny splash of pure vanilla extract right when the sugar mixture starts to simmer – it just enhances that cozy, sweet profile of the candied almonds beautifully. Feeling creative? Don't hesitate to experiment with flavor variations! For those who love a little heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper added with the other spices can give these candied sliced almonds a delightful sweet-and-spicy kick. If you're a chocolate fan, a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder can transform them into a decadent chocolatey treat. Or, for a brighter note, a little orange or lemon zest can be added for a citrusy twist. The possibilities are endless once you master the basic technique! Finally, for storing your delicious creations: once your candied almonds are completely cool and firm, transfer them to an airtight container. They'll stay wonderfully fresh and crunchy at room temperature for about 1-2 weeks. Though, if your household is anything like mine, they probably won't last that long! Happy cooking and even happier snacking!
these look amazing I am deff going to try these for a sweet healthy snack especially for my sweet tooth