Sweet-Hot Almonds

By bradl (edited)

• January 29, 2014

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Ingredients

• raw almonds, 16 oz (about 2 1/2 cups)
• white sugar, 1/4 cup
• kosher salt, 1 1/2 teaspoon
• cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon
• water, 1 Tablespoon
• honey, 1 Tablespoon
• olive oil, 1 teaspoon

Procedure

Toast the almonds

1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C).
2. Spread almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Toast in oven approximately 10 minutes - or until almonds begin to turn golden brown and become fragrant. Watch carefully, they go from toasted to burnt quickly.

Prepare the dry goods

1. Mix together the sugar, salt, and cayenne. Put aside in a big mixing bowl.

Coat the almonds

1. Stir together the water, honey, and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the mixture begins to bubble, stir in the toasted almonds and ensure they are evenly moistened.
2. Pour the moistened almonds into the mixing bowl with dry mixture and toss until evenly coated.
3. Spread coated almonds back onto a baking sheet in a single layer and cool to room temperature.

Enjoy

Notes, Options, Substitutions

These are mostly sweet with a touch of heat to the 'finish.'

To add quite a bit more heat and introduce a smoky profile, substitute chipotle powder for the cayenne. I prefer them with chipotle.

Source Adapted from Allrecipes.com