Making Bavarian Almonds: A Tasty Treat To Try At Home

Bavarian almonds are a sweet and crunchy treat that can be made at home and are perfect for the holiday season. They are a festival favourite, often sold at German Christmas markets and fairs, and are super easy to make. The recipe involves coating almonds in a cinnamon-sugar mix and baking them in the oven. The end result is a delicious snack that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature and stored for up to two weeks. So, if you're looking for a festive treat to make at home, give Bavarian almonds a try!

Choosing the right nuts

First, it's important to use raw, whole almonds. Shelled almonds are preferable, and you can opt for either salted or unsalted varieties, depending on your preference. Roasted almonds can also be used, but they may become softer during the cooking process and then return to a crunchy texture as they cool.

The amount of almonds you need will depend on the recipe you're following. Most recipes call for around 1-2 pounds of almonds, which yields a batch of coated almonds perfect for snacking or gifting. If you're making a larger batch, consider doubling the recipe, but be prepared for the stirring process to become more challenging.

When selecting your almonds, look for fresh, high-quality nuts. Avoid any that seem stale or have an off smell. The almonds should be dry and free-flowing, with no signs of mould or discolouration.

While almonds are the traditional choice for this German treat, you can also experiment with other nuts. Pecans, for instance, are a popular alternative and can be used in place of almonds in the same quantity. Walnuts and cashews may also work, but the cooking process and results may vary, so adjust your recipe accordingly if using different nuts.

Lastly, prepare your almonds by measuring them out according to your recipe. Some recipes call for the almonds to be left whole, while others suggest chopping or crushing them into smaller pieces. You can also choose to blanch the almonds to remove their skins, although this is not necessary for the recipe.

Preparing the coating

Before you start preparing the coating, it's important to have all your ingredients measured and ready to use. You'll need to stir the almonds continuously throughout the process, so it's best to have everything within easy reach.

To make the coating for Bavarian almonds, you'll typically need sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes vanilla. Some recipes also call for an egg white to help the coating bind to the nuts.

If you're using an egg white, start by whisking it in a small bowl until it becomes foamy. Then, stir in the vanilla. If you're not using an egg white, you can simply combine the vanilla with the other ingredients in a pan.

Next, add the almonds to the bowl and stir to coat them evenly with the wet mixture.

In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and any other spices you're using. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon to your taste and even add a hint of nutmeg for a buttery flavour. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the wet almond mixture until all the sugar is incorporated.

At this point, your almonds should be thoroughly coated with the sugary spice mixture.

Tips for preparing the coating:

• Use granulated sugar for best results.
• If using an egg white, make sure it's frothy before adding the almonds.
• Combine the dry ingredients separately before adding them to the almonds.
• Stir continuously to ensure even coating.

Cooking method

Firstly, preheat your oven to 250°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, in a large bowl, combine an egg white, vanilla extract, and water. Beat the mixture until it becomes frothy. Next, stir in the almonds and mix until they are coated. Now, gently combine sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt, and stir this into the almond mixture, ensuring that all nuts are thoroughly coated. Spread the nuts evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and place them into the oven. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. When cool, pack the almonds into an airtight jar. They will keep at room temperature for about 2 weeks.

Alternatively, you can make your Bavarian almonds on the stovetop. In a heavy pot or large saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over high heat while constantly stirring with a wooden spoon. Add the almonds and continue to stir until the water evaporates, leaving the almonds coated in sugar. Keep stirring until the almonds turn shiny. Now, lower the heat and add the remaining sugar, along with vanilla sugar or vanilla extract. Stir until the almonds are mostly shiny again. Finally, pour the almonds out onto a parchment paper-covered cookie sheet and spread them out to cool.

Cooling process

Once you have finished cooking your Bavarian almonds, it is important to let them cool. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to cool your almonds effectively.

Firstly, remove the almonds from the heat source. If you have cooked your almonds on the stove, carefully transfer them to a separate surface. If you have cooked your almonds in the oven, remove the tray and place it on a heatproof surface.

Next, spread the almonds out on a piece of parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking together as they cool. If you have cooked the almonds in the oven, you can spread them out on the tray. Use a fork to gently separate any almonds that are stuck together.

At this stage, you can also add any extra ingredients or toppings, such as a sprinkling of sea salt or an extra dusting of cinnamon.

Leave the almonds to cool for at least 10 minutes. This will allow the sugar coating to harden and become crispy. The exact cooling time will depend on the temperature of your kitchen and the amount of almonds you have cooked. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you may need to leave the almonds to cool for longer.

Once the almonds have cooled completely, you can break up any remaining clumps. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to gently separate the almonds. Be careful not to crush or break the almonds as you do this.

Finally, transfer the cooled almonds to an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to two weeks. Enjoy your homemade Bavarian almonds!

Storing the almonds

Once your almonds are cooked and cooled, it's time to store them properly to maintain their freshness and crispiness. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Use an airtight container: Always store your Bavarian almonds in an airtight container. This could be a jar or a container with a tight-fitting lid. This helps keep the almonds fresh and prevents them from going stale.
• Room temperature storage : You can store your almonds at room temperature for about two weeks. Storing them in a cool, dry place in your kitchen is ideal.
• Keep them dry: Ensure the almonds are completely cool and dry before storing. Any residual moisture can make them soggy, so spread them out on parchment paper and let them cool completely before transferring them to the airtight container.
• Separate clumps: If your almonds have formed clumps, use a wooden spoon or your fingers once they have cooled to break them up gently. This will ensure you have individual almonds that are easier to snack on.
• Storage duration: Homemade Bavarian almonds will stay fresh for about two weeks at room temperature. However, if you want to extend their shelf life, consider storing them in the refrigerator, which can keep them fresh for about a month.
• Refrigerator storage: If you choose to store your almonds in the refrigerator, use an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture and becoming soggy. You can also add a desiccant packet to the container to help absorb any excess moisture.
• Freezing: If you want to store your Bavarian almonds for an even longer period, you can freeze them. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and they will stay fresh for up to six months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours.
• Maintain crispiness: To maintain the crispiness of your almonds, it's important to store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in hot or humid environments, as this can affect their texture.
• Portioning: Consider portioning your almonds into smaller containers or bags before storing. This way, you can easily grab a snack-sized portion whenever you crave it without exposing all of your almonds to the air each time you want a quick treat.

Remember, freshly made Bavarian almonds are always the most delicious, so try to consume them within a few weeks of preparation for the best taste and texture. Enjoy your homemade treat!

Frequently asked questions