These Spiced Roasted Almonds are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, making them a delightful snack or an excellent topping for various dishes. The warm spices combined with the sugary glaze create a crunchy and irresistible treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups unsalted almonds
Preparation Steps
- Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil to help with cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large non-stick skillet, combine 1 cup of water with 2 cups of granulated sugar.
- Add the spices: 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, allspice, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg.
- Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of salt to enhance the sweetness and spice. Mix everything well.
- Cook the Sugar Mixture:
- Place the skillet over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. The sugar will dissolve quickly, and the spices will infuse their flavors into the syrup.
- Add Almonds and Vanilla:
- Once the mixture is boiling, add 3 cups of unsalted almonds and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Reduce the heat to medium to prevent burning the sugar while maintaining enough heat to evaporate the water.
- Monitor the Cooking Process:
- Continue cooking the almonds, stirring frequently. As the water evaporates, the sugar will become sandy and coat the almonds.
- Stir to ensure even coating and prevent the sugar from burning.
- Final Glazing:
- As the sugar melts again and coats the almonds with a shiny glaze, remove the skillet from the heat to prevent overcooking. The almonds should be well-coated.
- Cool the Almonds:
- Pour the hot almonds onto the prepared baking sheet and spread them into a single layer.
- Use a wooden spoon to break up any clumps.
- Let the Almonds Harden:
- Allow the almonds to cool completely at room temperature. As they cool, the sugar glaze will harden, giving the almonds a crunchy, candied exterior.
Enjoy Your Spiced Roasted Almonds:
- Once cooled and hardened, enjoy your spiced roasted almonds as a snack, or use them to add a sweet and spicy crunch to salads, desserts, or other dishes.
This process will give you perfectly spiced almonds with a delicious crunch and aromatic flavor. Enjoy!