Orange candied almonds are a delightful snack that combines the crunch of nuts with a sweet, citrusy flavor. They are perfect for enjoying on their own, as a topping, or even as a gift. When prepared correctly, this snack can elevate any occasion. In this article, we’ll walk through a simple recipe for orange candied almonds, share tips for perfecting them, and offer some serving suggestions.
The Recipe for Orange Candied Almonds
To make orange candied almonds, you need these simple ingredients:
- ⅓ cup white granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (tightly packed)
- ¼ tsp salt
- Zest from 1 orange
- 1 egg white
- 1½ tsp fresh orange juice
- 2 cups raw almonds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature allows the almonds to become evenly coated and golden, without burning.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Mix the Sugar and Zest: In a medium bowl, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, salt, and orange zest. Stir everything together well, then set aside.
Whisk the Egg White: In a large bowl, whisk the egg white until it becomes frothy—this usually takes about 1 minute.
Add the Orange Juice: Once the egg white is frothy, add the fresh orange juice and whisk together.
Coat the Almonds: Toss the raw almonds into the egg white mixture until they are completely coated.
Combine with Sugar Mixture: Gradually add the sugar and zest mixture to the almonds, tossing to ensure every almond is well-coated.
Spread on Baking Sheet: Lay the mixture out evenly across the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Make sure to stir the almonds every 20 minutes to promote even baking.
Cool Completely: After baking, remove the almonds from the oven and let them cool completely. As they cool, they will become crispy and delicious.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Add Spices: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar mixture for a warm undertone.
- Go Nut-Free: Use this recipe as a base for other ingredients like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds if you have a nut allergy.
- Try Different Citrus: While orange makes a great flavor, experimenting with lemon or lime zest can provide a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Orange candied almonds are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
- Snack Time: Serve them as a sweet snack on their own, perfect for munching during the day.
- Salad Topping: Add a handful to your favorite salad for a sweet crunch that pairs well with greens.
- Dessert Garnish: Sprinkle them on top of desserts like ice cream, yogurt, or fruit salad for added texture and flavor.
- Gift Giving: Package the cooled almonds in a decorative jar as a homemade gift for friends and family.
Conclusion
Creating orange candied almonds is a simple process that yields a flavorful and satisfying snack. With just a few ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can provide an impressive treat for yourself or as a gift. This recipe allows for flexibility with flavors and serving ideas, making it an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy your sweet and crunchy creation!
FAQs
Can I store orange candied almonds?
Yes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This keeps them crunchy and fresh.
What if I don’t have egg white?
You can substitute the egg white with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) if you prefer a vegan option.
Can I use other nuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts can also be candied using this orange flavoring.
How can I make these almonds even sweeter?
Feel free to increase the quantities of both sugars slightly for a sweeter treat, but do remember to balance it with the salt.
Is it possible to make these nuts spicy?
Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or another spice of your choice to create a sweet and spicy combination.
Enjoy your culinary adventure with orange candied almonds, and remember, the joy of cooking comes not just from the end product, but also from the process!
Orange Candied Almonds
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, salt, and orange zest.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy.
- Add the fresh orange juice to the egg white and whisk together.
- Toss the raw almonds into the egg white mixture until completely coated.
- Gradually add the sugar and zest mixture to the almonds, tossing to ensure every almond is well-coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly across the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes.
- Remove the almonds from the oven and let them cool completely.
