Candied Cinnamon & Sugar Almonds

I love finding ideas for great homemade gifts -- especially during the holidays.  With all of the events that everyone has during the holiday season, candied nuts are a great option to bring to the host of any occasion.  Put them in a cute container or bag, tie them with a ribbon and you are good to go!  These are also great to share with guests that come into your home.  I love almonds and the cinnamon and sugar coating is delicious.

Candied Cinnamon & Sugar Almonds
Source: My Kitchen Cafe
Yields: about 2 cups of candied almonds

1 egg white
1 teaspoon cold water
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups unsalted almonds
½ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a large (11X17-inch) rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form. Add the water and vanilla and beat again until stiff.  Add the almonds to the mixture and stir gently to coat the almonds with the egg white mixture.

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. Add this mixture to the almonds and stir gently to mix well.

Pour the almonds out onto the prepared baking sheet and carefully spread them out into a somewhat even layer. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about an hour, stirring/flipping every 15 minutes, until the almonds look and feel dry. The almonds were done when the coating on the almond felt hard and crunchy. Cool completely before serving or packaging.