Recipe: NapaStyle Toasted Spice Rub Almonds

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	Users > AngelaG > Michael Chiarello''s "Casual Cooking" > Appetizers > NapaStyle Toasted Spice Rub Almonds

NapaStyle Toasted Spice Rub Almonds

1 lb		whole almonds, preferably unsalted
2 Tbs		of unsalted butter
2 tsp		sea salt, preferably gray salt
3 Tbs		NapaStyle Toasted Spice Rub

Preheat oven to 350°F. Blanch the almonds in boiling water, until the skins peel off.

Melt the butter in a large ovenproof skillet over moderate heat and cook until it turns light brown and smells nutty. Add the almonds and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, over moderate heat until the almonds begin to color, about 5 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the almonds are medium-brown, about 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven, add the spice rub, and stir to coat the nuts evenly. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes. Transfer the nuts to a sheet pan; they will crisp as they cool. Store the cooled almonds in an airtight container at room temperature.

Servings: 1

Recipe Type

Appetizer

Recipe Source

I grew up in almond country, in California's Central Valley, and I learned from a local grower how to turn the nuts into a toasty snack. I put bowls of them out when people come for dinner, so they have something to nibble while I'm making the rest of the meal. I've learned to make the nuts in quantity because guests eat them by the handful. They taste even better when made a day ahead.