Italian dessert recipes - Almond Crunch ~ Croccante

Recipe Categories : | Italian | Desserts | Almonds | Confectionery | MAIN INDEX |

Makes : about 36

Ingredients :

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 cups blanched whole almonds
• 3 tbsp water
• 1½ cups sugar
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Preparation and Cooking Instructions :

1. Brush a marble slab or cookie sheet with the oil. Place all the remaining ingredients in a heavy nonstick saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring, for about 15 minutes, or until the syrup has turned a deep caramel color and is very foamy; it should register 300°F on a candy thermometer.
2. Immediately pour the mixture out onto the oiled slab or cookie sheet, spreading it evenly with the spoon. Let cool completely.
3. Cut the croccante into rough 1" pieces with a heavy knife. Store in airtight jars.