There’s something undeniably magical about the way the aroma of spiced honey wafts through the kitchen on a crisp autumn afternoon. These almonds, kissed by a sweet yet warm embrace of honey and spices, remind me of wandering through a bustling farmer’s market, where the air is filled with a cacophony of scents. It’s a snack that feels both familiar and oddly new—like discovering an old favorite song with a fresh twist.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a large rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt with 1/8 cup of raw sugar and set aside.
- In a non-stick skillet, warm the honey over medium heat until it becomes fluid.
- Stir in the almonds, sprinkling them with cayenne pepper, and coat them thoroughly. Once mixed, take the skillet off the heat.
- Arrange the almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- After baking, let the almonds rest on the counter for 5 minutes, then toss them in the salt and sugar mixture you prepared earlier.
- Spread the almonds back onto the baking sheet or parchment paper, allowing them to cool completely before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups of raw almonds
- 3/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1/8 cup of raw sugar
FAQ
- What ingredients are needed for spiced honey roasted almonds?
- To make these almonds, you’ll need 2 1/2 cups of raw almonds, 3/4 tsp of cayenne pepper, 3/4 tsp of kosher salt, 1/4 cup of honey, and 1/8 cup of raw sugar.
- How do you prepare honey roasted almonds?
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix the kosher salt and raw sugar together. Melt the honey in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until it liquefies, then add the almonds and sprinkle with cayenne pepper. Stir until the almonds are well-coated, remove from heat, and spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes.
- What is the cooling process for the almonds after baking?
- After removing the almonds from the oven, allow them to cool on the counter for 5 minutes. Then, toss them in the raw sugar and salt mixture. Place the almonds back onto the baking sheet or parchment paper and let them cool completely before enjoying.
- How long does it take to make these spiced honey roasted almonds?
- The total time to prepare these almonds is approximately 25 minutes, which includes 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time.
- What makes these honey roasted almonds unique?
- The subtle spice from the cayenne pepper combined with the sweetness of honey and raw sugar creates an irresistibly delicious snack that is easy to prepare and not overly sticky.
Tips
- Ensure Even Coating: When mixing the almonds with honey and cayenne pepper in the skillet, make sure all the almonds are evenly coated. This will help the spices stick better and ensure each almond is equally flavorful.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. It also helps in achieving a more even roast.
- Cool Completely: Allow the almonds to cool completely after their final bake. This step is crucial for the almonds to develop their crunchy texture and for the sugar and spice coating to set properly.
- Experiment with Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder or spicier flavor, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste. Start with a small amount and add more gradually to avoid overpowering the honey sweetness.
Equipment
- Large Rimmed Cookie Sheet – If you don’t already have a suitable baking sheet, this is essential for spreading the almonds in a single layer.
- Parchment Paper – Used to line the baking sheet and prevent sticking, making cleanup easier.
- Non-Stick Skillet – If you don’t have a skillet suitable for melting honey and coating the almonds.
