Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup whole almonds
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large non-stick skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large non-stick skillet, combine the almonds, sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves.
4. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and the sugar crystallizes around the almonds, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and spread the almonds out on the prepared baking sheet to cool.
6. Once the almonds have cooled, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
7. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled almonds and let it set for 10-15 minutes.
8. Once the chocolate has hardened, break the almonds apart into bite-sized pieces and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat
Serving size:
Makes 1 cup of gebrannte mandeln
Nutritional information:
Calories: 220
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 60mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of nut instead of almonds, such as pecans or cashews.
- If you don't have white chocolate chips, you can use milk or dark chocolate chips instead.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy twist.
- Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the sugar mixture for extra flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to stir the almonds constantly while cooking to prevent burning.
- Be careful when handling the hot sugar mixture as it can be very hot.
- Store the gebrannte mandeln in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Reheating Instructions:
Not applicable.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the gebrannte mandeln in a small bowl or jar for a cute and festive presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top of the white chocolate for a pretty garnish.
Pairings:
Serve with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Not applicable.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sugar mixture is not crystallizing around the almonds, increase the heat slightly and continue to cook until it does.
- If the white chocolate is not melting smoothly, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil to the bowl and stirring until smooth.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be careful when handling the hot sugar mixture as it can be very hot.
- Make sure to store the gebrannte mandeln in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in.
Food History:
Gebrannte mandeln is a traditional German treat that is often sold at Christmas markets.
Flavor Profiles:
Sweet, nutty, and cinnamon-spiced with a creamy white chocolate finish.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a sweet snack or dessert.
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