Day 16: Caramelised Almonds

Today I made my favourite festival/market snack- sweet and crunchy Caramelised nuts. I've always wondered how to make them, I was sure it would be simple, so I thought i'd give it a try. It's definitely going to be a new Christmas snack or party table filler. 
All you need is 5 ingredient's; which you most likely have in your cupboard or pantry already. So give it a try, you won't regret it. 
p.s, you can use what ever nuts you want- I just used almonds because that's what was in the cupboard- peanuts and macadamia's go well too.

What you need:
- 2 cups raw almonds (or peanuts or macadamia's)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon


How to do it: 
1.In a large saucepan mix the nuts with the sugar and water. Cook the ingredients over moderate heat, stirring frequently, you'll be able to see the liquid bubbling away. Cook until the liquid solidifies, and sticks to the nuts. It will take a few minutes. About 8-10 minutes after it’s been boiling, your mixture will look dry and sandy. That’s what it’s suppose to look like, don’t worry.
2.Just when you’re beginning to think you really did something wrong, you’ll start to see a dark, sticky syrup starting to pool. That’s the magic. As you go, tilt the pan, removing it from the heat from time-to-time to regulate the heat and the syrup, so you can coat the nuts with the liquid as it darkens without burning the nuts or the syrup. A few of mine burnt... If the mixture starts to smoke, remove it from the heat and stir, thats how you know they are done.
3. After you take them off the stove, sprinkle your salt and cinnamon on in the pan and stir thoroughly  again.
4. Place the nuts on baking sheet and let them cool completely. Then break up any clumps and transfer to an air-tight container. 

Careful- they're highly addictive!