Caramalized Almonds

As festive season approaches, our mind hunts for some easy-to-make yet unique serving items. And something made of dry-fruits generally fits the candidate description we are looking for. Have a look at the Caramalized Almonds recipe below and let me know if I was  of any help in this hunt of yours :)

INGREDIENTS:-

White sugar-1 cup

Ground cinnamon- 1 tsp

Whole almonds- 2 cups

Water-1/4cup

Lemon juice-1/4 tsp

Butter-1/2 tsp

Sesame seed-1/2 tsp

Note: A standard measuring 'cup' is easily available in market; a regular tea serving cup in house can be a close approximate

METHOD:-

• Roast almond with little butter on low flame.
• To make the sugar syrup - In a heavy bottom (with high sides) saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then bring the mixture to a boil.
• When sugar syrup gets clear in color, add lemon juice; this will help to prevent sugar crystallization.
• When sugar syrup starts boiling and sugar gets completely dissolved, stop stirring.
• Now reduce heat from medium to simmer. (Sugar syrup should be simmering, rather than boiling.)
• When mixture turns from white to a light golden color, add whole almonds, cinnamon powder and sesame seeds.
• Stir a little to let the sugar syrup wrapped on the almonds.
• Cook and stir the mixture until the liquid evaporates (and sugar gets caramelized). This will leave a syrup-like coating on the almonds. Remove from heat.
• Quickly spread onto waxed paper (if delayed, it will not separate and spread well); cool completely.
• Store in container with tight-fitting lid

 Note:  in the same recipe, almonds can be replaced by cashew nuts to prepare caramelized Cashews.