Sweet Roasted Almonds

It is Christmas time again, and Christmas markets have popped up all over Germany. The tradition of Christmas markets dates back to the 14th or 15th century when the idea of a market was brought up so as to bring much-needed cheer in the cold and dark days. To date, these markets are a much-anticipated event for many. People look forward to the opening of Christmas markets in their towns or cities. And when they do, they visit these markets with family and friends. With the opening of Christmas markets, the otherwise empty streets are transformed into places of fun and activity. With joy rides, great food, gluhwein, performances and much more, there is something for everyone at the Christmas markets.

Read more about Germany’s Christmas markets here.

One of the popular foods that is served in Christmas markets is gebranne Mandeln, which are roasted almonds. There are so many variations of roasted almonds that one is spoilt for choices. Some popular ones are those with a coating of caramelized sugar or chocolate.

After we visited the Christmas market this year, I decided to make these delicious roasted almonds at home.

I made them in two ways, which I have described below.

Roasted Almonds are pretty easy to make and taste just right for the winter. During the Christmas season, a special spice mix called Lebkuchengewurz is available in supermarkets in Germany. Lebkuchen is like a gingerbread cookie, but it is soft. The spice mix that gives Lebkuchen its characteristic taste and smell is called Lebkuchengewurz (Gewurz means spice). This spice mix is a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, coriander, etc.

In my recipe, I have used this spice mix. If you don’t have access to it, you can put these spices individually. I shall explain more further in the recipe.

Also, I have used Vanilla Sugar (called Vanillinzucker in German). If you don’t have access to it, put a few drops of vanilla essence.

Now, let’s start:

EQUIPMENT

• Pan: https://amzn.to/3Gmou0X
• Spatula: https://amzn.to/3R13py7
• Baking Sheet: https://amzn.to/3R13py7

INGREDIENTS  

• 200 gm Almonds
• 100-120 gm Sugar
• 5 gm Lebkuchen Gewurz, i.e. Lebkuchen Spice mix OR 3 gm Cinnamon Powder, 1 gm clove powder and 1 gm Nutmeg Powder
• 60-70 ml Water
• 1 Pk Vanilla Sugar

INSTRUCTIONS 

• Roast the almonds on medium heat in a pan for about 5 minutes. Keep them aside.
  
  
  
• Add water to the pan. Add sugar and vanilla sugar and spice mix.
  
  
  
• Let it come to a boil.
  
  
  
• Add roasted almonds. Cook on medium heat.
  
  
  
• First, the sugar will melt, and there will seem to be a lot of liquid.
  
  
  
• Slowly, the liquid will thicken, and then it will dry.
  
  
  
• You can remove the almonds at this stage and transfer them to a baking sheet for cooling.
  
  
  
• Once cooled, they are ready to be eaten. You can store them in an airtight container.
  
  
  
• If you want a glaze on the almonds, don’t take them out at this stage; continue cooking on medium heat.
  
  
  
• In a few minutes, the sugar will start caramelizing and form a lovely glossy coat on the almonds.
  
  
  
• Turn off the heat and transfer the almonds to a baking sheet. Let them cool.
  
  
  
• Once cooled, separate the almonds that are stuck to each other.
  
  
  
• Store in an air-tight container.
  
  

Here’s the recipe in printable format:

Check out other recipes from my kitchen here.

Please note that this article contains affiliate links. If you buy using these links, I receive a small commission. This has no effect on the price for you.

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