The first time I remember craving cinnamon almonds was walking down the streets of New York City. It was the day before the Macey’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And freezing! I was desperately seeking to find something warm to drink while we looked at all the fun Christmas window displays. I remember thinking, “What smells so delicious?” We turned the corner and there it was, a very typical NY cart, selling roasted cinnamon almonds. They were still WARM and it DID go perfect with the hot chocolate I was drinking. Now, every time I smell that aromatic cinnamon bliss, I think of New York City during the holidays.
Isn’t it amazing how a certain scent can take us back to a place long forgotten?
I have to admit. I'm not a big slow cooker kinda gal. I could probably count on one hand, recipes I make in the good ol' crockpot. My sweet friend Judi gave me this recipe and said it is a must try!!
She was right:). These cinnamon almonds are the best super easy thing you can make during the holidays. Only 6 ingredients! It is time consuming. Hence, using the SLOW cooker. it takes about 3-4 hours with frequent stirring. I do this when I’m wrapping presents or getting my home ready for a party. The aroma from the almonds, plus some Christmas music playing softly in the background, creates that perfect cozy “hygge” everyone dreams of during the holidays.
Throw these babies into a cute jar and you have the perfect neighbor or party gift. They are the perfect sweet crunchy snack, while laying in front of the fire, watching a movie, or just reading a good book.
What aromatic memories will you create?
Ingredients
-1 Cup sugar
-1 Cup Brown Sugar
-3 Tbsp Cinnamon
-1/8 tsp Salt
-1 Egg white
- 2 tsp Vanillapura Mexican-rum extract
-3 cups almonds
-1/8 cup water
Instructions:
- Mix together in a large bowl sugars, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl with a whisk, mix together, the egg whites, Vanillapura Mexican-rum extract until frothy. Add the almonds and coat thoroughly. This will help the mixture stick to the almonds during the cooking process.
- Prepare your slow cooker by spraying it with cooking spray. Add the cinnamon almond mixture to the almonds and turn it low. Stir until the cinnamon sugar mixture is well coated on all the almonds.
- You want to cook for about 3-4 hours. Stir every 20 minutes. In the last hour add 1/8 cup of water and stir well. This will ensure a crunchy coating and help the mixture to harden.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread and spread out the almonds on to the baking sheet to cool. The almonds should be sticky so be sure to separate them.
- Once they have dried and hardened break them apart and serve as desired.
