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Sweet and Spicy Everyday Food Almonds

December 23, 2011 By Laura 2 Comments

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Sweet and Spicy Almonds

I hope this post finds you in time for any last minute snack or munchie ideas you might need for the holidays, because these almonds are fantastic and dead simple to make.  I had them at a friend’s home–she encouraged me to try them, so I did.  At first I kinda just thought oh a sugared almond.  But then I found myself craving another one. And another one.  And another.  The perfect blend of sweet and spicy, these are simply addictive.

Sweet and Spicy Almonds

You begin by toasting the almonds.  Since I knew I wanted some to set out on Christmas Day when my family visits–and since I knew I would eat plenty until then–I made a triple batch (made easier by having a convection oven, I admit, allowing me to toast all 3 trays at once).

Then the almonds are dunked in a mixture of oil, water and honey that is dissolved and hot on the stovetop.  The evenly wet/sticky almonds are dumped–without additional “juice” from the pot–into a sugar, salt and cayenne pepper mixture (I’d love to try chipotle next time).

Sweet and Spicy Almonds

Then the nuts are spread out in a single layer to cool and dry (they will crisp as they do so).  I had to layer my counter in foil since I had made a triple batch and the pans were too hot to place on the counter (someday I’ll get that heat proof granite… someday…).  You can find the exact recipe at Martha Stewart Everyday Food.

Even Alex–she who dislikes all things spicy–cannot stay out of these.  The heat is definitely present–she eats them with milk–but for most adults I would say the heat is gentle, just perfect.  And the cayenne is definitively noticeable as a flavor too–in a good way.  These might become a standard roatation not just for the holidays recipe around here!

Sweet and Spicy Almonds

 HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Filed Under: almonds, misc, vegetarian

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Comments

  1. Beth Michelle says

    December 24, 2011 at 11:29 am

    What a perfect snack! I love the sweet and spicy combo!

    Reply
  2. Russell at Chasing Delicious says

    December 29, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    Yum! What a scrumptious looking snack!

    Reply

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Hi! I’m Laura and I am a recovering history major who has re-channeled all of my passion for learning about the history of different countries to learning about their food culture. That doesn’t mean every dish on here is strictly authentic, but it does mean that even my adaptations are not undertaken lightly. My goal is to show you–by doing–that these dishes are possible in your kitchen. Including desserts because I have quite the sweet tooth! Read More…

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