candied almonds

almonds are my favorite nut.  but sometimes i get bored just eating them raw, so i decided to candy them up a bit (just to make them extra healthy).

1 cup of almonds
1/2 cup of water
1/2 cup of sugar (a little bit less than half, actually)
1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
a sprinkling of cinnamon

mix all of the ingredients (except for the almonds) in a saucepan, stirring every few minutes.  bring to a boil, then add the almonds.  stir until the mixture gets to a syrupy consistency.  scoop out almonds and spread/separate on foil or waxed paper.

warning: this makes for an addictive snack--perfectly sweet and crunchy.  and it's easily portable.  i love to put them in a baggie and just take them with me on the go.

this was based on this recipe, but of course, i made a few adjustments.  the vanilla extract was a last-minute addition and i took it easy on the sugar.  i love adding other flavors and spices to jazz up a dish (i.e. cinnamon and vanilla extract).  sometimes, sugar is just too easy and obvious, don't you think?  on the other hand, it just tastes so good!

-jillian m.