I know, I know. You’re probably wondering how many times I can write about my sweet & spicy almond recipe.
The answer: LOTS.
I made two batches yesterday to give away as gifts. I’ve made this recipe enough now that I can confidently drop in a few extra tips and tricks. So here is the new and revised version:
2 tablespoons peanut oil
2 cups whole almonds [Ed: I used to make this using only blanched almonds but they are one of the most expensive purchases in the nut aisle at Bulk Barn. My new favourite (and much less expensive combo) is this: 1 cup whole almonds (shelled with brown “skin” intact), 1/2 cup pecan halves and 1/2 cup blanched almonds.)
1/2 cup plus one tablespoon white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- Combine the 1tb sugar, salt, cumin and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Heat the oil in a large non-stick pot or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the nuts and sprinkle the 1/2 cup sugar over them. Allow me to interrupt with a photo:
- Saute until the almonds become golden brown and the sugar caramelizes. This will take about 15-17 minutes.
- Keep stirring, because they will burn quickly.
- Remove the pan from the element and toss with your sugar/salt/cumin/pepper flake mixture.
- Spread the nuts in a single layer on a non-stick baking sheet. Let cool for two or three minutes.
- Separate the nuts before they cool down too much.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight tin or arrange in pretty bowls to give as gifts.
That’s it!
One thing I’ve learned about planning our advent activities this year is that due to new school schedules we don’t have as much time in the afternoon as we used to. That means that during the week, almost all of our activities have to be done in the evening. And it doesn’t always work out.
I had a meeting on the evening of the 17th, so we postponed our activity (which was baking) and the girls just watched Frosty the Snowman. They don’t watch any TV during the week, so this is fun for them. But yesterday we had some catching up to do. While the girls were at school I made a couple batches of candied nuts. Sarah and I did a batch of baking after school (because Karen’s cookies are pretty much GONE) and the girls did some delivering of said goods in the neighborhood before dinner. The baking and sharing was the activity for days 17 and 18.
I also made Turtlehead’s Peppermint Bark (recipe located at the bottom of this post). The girls helped with The Smashing of the Peppermints. (Carlingwood Bulk Barn was SOLD OUT of peppermint candy canes! They only had spearmint – yuk!)
I have two words to share about Turtlehead’s Peppermint Bark: Holy. Mackerel. It’s so good! I really don’t think it’s going to last through the weekend. I am kicking myself for not jumping on the Peppermint Bark wagon LONG AGO. I might make almond bark next.
p.s. this is part of my 25 days of Christmas challenge. It’s never too late to play along. And do consider joining our Flickr group too.
The other day I had a meeting in the staff lounge of one of my daughter’s schools. The cupboard doors were wide open, and guess what I saw? MUGS. Many many coffee mugs. Big ones and small ones. Bright ones and white ones. Fancy ones and plain ones. They were all different. It was like a museum display of a coffee mug retrospective.
This reminded me. Time is running out to get good teacher gifts. It’s a perennial issue. You want to show appreciation, but you don’t want to go overboard or spend money on something that isn’t going to be appreciated or used.
This year I went back to the World Vision catalogue and found something there (which I won’t reveal, just in case Someone Is Reading.) They have a whole pile of great (not to mention, meaningful!) ideas. And you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg.
It’s something can talk about it with your child as you’re making your choices.
Can you imagine not having a warm coat? A pencil to write with? Books to read?
I have a feeling many teachers would appreciate if you bought, in his/her name:
And that’s just a small sampling.
World Vision will also send an e-card to the recipient, which I think is pretty cool too.
I think it would be a pretty nice thing to do, instead of getting another coffee mug or scented candle, don’t you think?
If you have any ideas of your own, do share! I’m sure we can all use a little inspiration.
