Master the Art of Homemade Jordan Almonds: A Nostalgic Candy Coating Recipe
Delight in the sweet nostalgia of homemade Jordan Almonds – perfectly toasted almonds enveloped in a crisp, colorful candy coating. This classic confection, often associated with joyous celebrations, can now be lovingly crafted right in your kitchen. Get ready to recreate a beloved treat that promises a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite.
If you cherish the charm of this timeless candy, you’ll also adore our Potato Candy recipe, another delightful journey into sweet, homemade treats!
Rediscovering a Childhood Favorite: Why Homemade Jordan Almonds Are Special
Embarking on a culinary adventure from this month’s Cookbook of the Month has been an absolute joy, especially with unexpected gems like this Jordan Almonds recipe. While the book features classic candy recipes such as caramels and truffles, it truly shines by venturing into more ambitious creations like homemade candy corn and, astonishingly, Jordan almonds. Before this, the idea of making Jordan almonds at home seemed as improbable as creating M&Ms from scratch – a task I never imagined possible!
My earliest memories of Jordan almonds trace back to my high school days, working at local movie theaters. It was an era of endless popcorn, Sprite infused with cherry flavoring, and the irresistible allure of half-priced candy. Among my absolute favorites, a treat I found incredibly hard to resist, were those perfectly coated Jordan almonds. They weren’t just candy; they were a symbol of carefree youth, shared laughter, and late-night movie magic.
Interestingly, for many, Jordan almonds are synonymous with elegant events like weddings, a traditional favor signifying good luck and happiness. But for me, the image that instantly springs to mind is watching a movie from the roof of a drive-in theater, the cool night air mixing with the sweet scent of sugary almonds. Those were the golden days when indulging in a large box of candy and a bucket of popcorn brought pure joy, without a single thought about calorie counts or the need for a run the next day. While I rarely purchase store-bought Jordan almonds anymore, my affection for them remains as strong as ever.
When I stumbled upon this recipe, I felt an immediate pull to try it. I harbored a healthy dose of skepticism, doubting that a homemade version could capture the essence of the store-bought ones. Yet, to my delightful surprise, these actually worked, and beautifully so! I admit, I might have gotten a little carried away with the food coloring, but that’s part of the fun – customizing these delightful treats in any color your heart desires!
The taste isn’t an exact match for their mass-produced counterparts, but that’s often the charm of homemade creations; they possess a unique character. And even after a full 24 hours, while the coating isn’t as rock-hard as store-bought, it sets up perfectly enough to be tossed into a bowl without fear of them sticking together or losing their shape. My initial attempt faced a small hiccup: the recipe didn’t explicitly detail the coating process. I impulsively dumped all the almonds into the fondant mixture and stirred, which, predictably, didn’t yield the desired result. A quick restart, patiently dipping each almond individually, transformed the process from frustrating to remarkably enjoyable. It took a little extra time, but the reward was well worth the effort.
The Sweet History of Jordan Almonds
Jordan almonds, also known as sugared almonds, boast a rich history stretching back centuries. Their origins are often traced to ancient Rome, where honey-coated almonds were served at weddings and births as a symbol of prosperity and fertility. Over time, the coating evolved, eventually giving way to the hard sugar shell we know today. The term “Jordan” itself is believed to derive from the French word “jardin,” meaning garden, perhaps referring to the finest quality almonds cultivated in particular regions, or from the Arabic word “jardín” for a sweet confection. Another theory suggests it refers to the Jordan River, implying an exotic origin for the almonds. Regardless of its exact etymology, these elegant candies have traveled across cultures, becoming a cherished part of celebrations worldwide, particularly in Mediterranean and European traditions. Their simple yet refined nature makes them a timeless treat, connecting us to generations past who savored these very same delights at their most joyous occasions.
Crafting Your Own Candy-Coated Almonds: The Process & The Payoff
Making Jordan almonds at home is a rewarding culinary project that transforms simple almonds into beautiful, crunchy confections. The process, while requiring a bit of patience, is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly satisfying. It begins with carefully toasting blanched almonds, which enhances their nutty flavor and provides a perfect base for the candy coating. Spreading them in a single layer ensures even toasting, preventing some from burning while others remain raw.
The magic truly happens with the fondant coating. This delicate mixture of powdered sugar and egg whites, whipped until thick and smooth, is the heart of your homemade Jordan almonds. The texture of this fondant is crucial – it needs to be thick enough to cling to the almonds but still fluid enough for an even application. This is also where you can unleash your creativity with food coloring, transforming simple white almonds into a rainbow of festive colors. Imagine pastel pinks for a baby shower, vibrant blues for a birthday, or a mix of colors for a cheerful everyday treat.
The dipping process is perhaps the most critical step, and as I learned, it’s best done individually rather than en masse. Gently dipping each almond into the fondant, allowing any excess to drip away, ensures a smooth, uniform coating. This methodical approach might seem tedious, but it guarantees each almond is perfectly enrobed, leading to that satisfying crackle when bitten. Once coated, the almonds need ample time to dry and set. This resting period, ideally 12-24 hours, allows the sugar shell to harden, transforming them into the familiar Jordan almond texture. While the homemade version might not achieve the glass-like hardness of commercial candies, the slight chewiness adds a delightful character that’s uniquely homemade. The payoff? A batch of truly unique, personalized Jordan almonds that taste infinitely fresher and carry the warmth of your own kitchen.
Essential Tips for Perfect Homemade Jordan Almonds
Achieving delicious homemade Jordan Almonds is entirely within reach with a few key techniques and a touch of patience. Here are some essential tips to guide you:
- Start with Quality Almonds: Use fresh, blanched whole almonds. Blanching removes the skin, providing a smooth surface for the coating. Toasting them lightly before coating enhances their flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch. Be careful not to over-toast; a subtle golden hue is perfect.
- Achieve the Right Fondant Consistency: The powdered sugar and egg white mixture is your candy coating. It needs to be thick enough to coat the almonds effectively but still manageable for dipping. If it’s too thin, it won’t adhere properly; too thick, and it will be clumpy. You’re aiming for a consistency similar to thick pancake batter or soft-serve ice cream. Adjust with tiny amounts of extra powdered sugar or egg white if necessary, but be very cautious not to alter the balance too much.
- Master the Dipping Technique: As noted in my experience, dipping almonds individually is key. Use a fork or a small skewer to dip each almond, allowing the excess coating to drip back into the bowl. This ensures a thin, even layer. You can do multiple coats if you desire a thicker shell, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.
- Patience is a Virtue (Drying Time): This is arguably the most important step. The candy coating needs significant time to set and harden. Spreading the coated almonds in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets and allowing them to air dry for 12 to 24 hours is crucial. Resist the urge to rush this process; proper drying prevents stickiness and ensures a crisp shell.
- Food Coloring Fun: Gel food coloring is often recommended as it provides vibrant hues without adding too much liquid to your fondant. Add it gradually until you reach your desired shade. Remember, the color might deepen slightly as it dries.
- Storage: Once completely dry, store your homemade Jordan almonds in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for several weeks, though their freshness is best enjoyed within the first week or two.
Important Note on Raw Egg Whites
Please be aware: this recipe utilizes raw egg whites. Consequently, it may not be suitable for young children, pregnant women, the elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system. If you have concerns about consuming raw egg whites, we strongly recommend using pasteurized eggs as a safer alternative, or consider choosing a different recipe altogether. Your health and safety are paramount.
More Delectable Candy Creations
Looking for more sweet inspiration? Explore these other fantastic candy recipes:
- Oreo Balls
- Easy Fudge
- Sponge Toffee
Stay Connected for More Sweet Inspiration!
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Homemade Jordan Almonds
Pin Recipe
A homemade version of Jordan Almonds – whole almonds coated in a candy coating.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds whole blanched almonds
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- 3 egg whites
- Food coloring (if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175°C). Spread out the 2 1/2 pounds of whole blanched almonds in a single layer on several baking sheets. Toast in the preheated oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Line clean, cool baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the 3 egg whites and 1 pound of powdered sugar together until the mixture is thick and smooth, forming a fondant-like consistency. If desired, add food coloring gradually until your preferred hue is achieved.
- Dip each individual almond into the sugar mixture. Use a fork to carefully remove each almond, allowing any excess coating to drip off before transferring it to the prepared lined baking sheets. Arrange the coated almonds in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Allow them to cool and set completely, which can take a significant amount of time – ideally, let them sit for 12-24 hours. This patience is key for the coating to harden properly.
Recipe Notes:
Please note: these are made with raw egg whites, so this probably isn’t a recipe for young children or pregnant women or anyone with a low immune system. If you are worried about consuming raw egg whites at all, please use pasteurized eggs, or skip this recipe altogether.
Recipe adapted from Field Guide to Candy.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only. Various brands and products can alter the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 0.25 cup, Calories: 132 kcal (7%), Carbohydrates: 10g (3%), Protein: 4g (8%), Fat: 9g (14%), Saturated Fat: 1g (6%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0g, Sodium: 6mg, Potassium: 119mg (3%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 8g (9%), Iron: 9mg (50%)