A friend sent me this recipe from Kitchen Addiction as a great idea for a sweet/salty treat, and suggested they would make nice home-made gifts too, and I have to admit that home-made gifts have that special touch store-bought gifts can lack and I personally love a home-made gift.  You can wrap them in some cellophane and use a simple ribbon to tie them, or give them in decorative tins, but whatever you do, be sure to share these and you’ll win big points as these are DELISH! 

Spicy Cocoa Roasted Almonds

Ingredients

  • 3 cups whole almonds
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
  • Few drops of water
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (depending on your taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 275°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicon baking mat or with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. Whisk together the egg white, vanilla bean paste, and a few drops of water in a mixing bowl. Beat mixture until it is light and frothy. Add the almonds and toss to evenly coat with the egg white mixture.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the sugars, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt. Whisk together to remove any lumps. Add the almonds, and toss to coat. Spread the coated almonds out on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 30 – 40 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes. Keep a close watch on the almonds because they will burn quickly.
  4. Once the almonds are done, spread them out on a large piece of parchment or waxed paper until they have cooled completely. Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!
http://inspiredeats.net/945/