Gifts from the Kitchen: Spiced Almonds

Spice and slightly sweet from a hint of maple syrup

Spiced nuts can be expensive, particularly around the holidays. You can make your own quite easily and save a ton of money! Put them in a jar with a bow and a pretty label, and you have an instant gift for the foodie on your shopping list. 

I really need to get a circle punch. Or, cut the labels out before 3 glasses of merlot.

There are tons of recipes out there, and they are all easy to make. This is one I like because they are slightly sweet from the maple syrup, slightly spicy, a touch zesty from the cayenne pepper and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt makes them just right in my book. Leave out the cayenne, or add more if you prefer.

I have included a downloadable sheet of labels for you to use — or customize your own!

Holiday Spiced AlmondsBased on this recipe from Small Town Cookie

Ingredients
2 lbs. natural almonds
1/3 cup real maple syrup
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Parchment paper or waxed paper

Method

1. Pre-heat oven to 325°F. 
2. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper, and set aside. 
3. In a large bowl, place almonds. Pour maple syrup over almonds and stir to coat completely. Add spices and stir to completely mix. 
4. Pour coated almonds in a single layer on the baking sheet. 
5. Bake for 35-45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Don’t allow nuts to burn. 
6. Put in decorative jars with a pretty label. Gifts achieved! 

Feel free to use my label design, or make your own! These are for the 500 ml Ball jar.

Label for jar face

Label for jar lid