HONEY ROASTED ALMONDS

I had mentioned these golden beauties in the menu  for my Appa's 50th Birthday Party . These beauties are such simple li'l things which can give life to a party. I have had store-bought versions of it while I was studying in Bangalore and have always wondered how it was made without the nuts going soggy.

Recently, an old family friend of ours sent us a packet of almonds which were bought from Dubai. They were so so crisp and nice. But I am not a complete almond person. I'd prefer cashew nuts or peanuts anyday! Nevertheless, my dad and mom were raving about it's goodness. 

On the eve of my Appa's birthday, they had gone out to run some errands and I was thoroughly bored sitting at home. We didn't have good voltage ,so I couldn't bake anything.That was when I thought of roasting some almonds.

After reading through many many recipes, I zero-ed in on one. It was very simple and quick recipe!

HONEY ROASTED ALMONDS

Recipe source: www.cooks.com 

Ingredients:

Almonds-2c , whole with skin on

Sugar-1/4 c

Salt-1/2 tsp

Honey-2 tbsp

Water-2 tbsp

Oil-2 tsp

Method:

• Spread the almonds in a single layer in a shallow ungreased baking pan and place in a cold oven. Bake at 350 degrees, stirring occasionally, until the colour of nuts is tan (12 to 15 minutes). Remove from oven and set aside.
  
• Thoroughly mix the sugar and salt. Stir together the honey, water and oil in a medium size pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the roasted almonds and continue to cook and stir until all the liquid has been absorbed by the nuts (about 5 minutes). Immediately transfer to a medium bowl and sprinkle sugar mixture over all and toss. Spread on wax paper and cool.
• Variations for the above recipe: You can try spicing it up by adding a pinch of nutmeg/cinnamon/cardomom etc.

I was pleasantly suprised how good almonds could taste this way!! The salt and sugar combination makes it so addictive! My guests were completely hooked onto it...requests for the recipe were flying at me! My Appa's best friend even thought these were imported! Wee! What a compliment! :) This has become a firm favourite in my house. Amma just cannot keep her hands off of it! :D

My sincere request to all almond lovers: Try these at least once in your lifetime, there is no better way of eating them! It is really delicious!

Now I am thinking of trying some with peanuts/ground nuts. Might have to vary the cooking time depending on the type of nuts used...so will keep you all updated about how it goes! :D