Almond trees are believed to have first been cultivated in China and then brought via the Silk Road to the Middle East and Europe. In the mid-1700s, Franciscan monks planted the first almond trees at California missions, but the moist, cool weather of the coastal missions did not provide the tree with optimum growing conditions. In the 1800s, almond trees were planted further inland with much greater success.
Almonds come in a variety of forms — whole, sliced and slivered — and are used as a snack food and in desserts such as marzipan, ice cream and chocolate recipes and in various culinary dishes. Almonds are chock full of the antioxidant vitamin E, protein, magnesium, calcium, fiber, the B vitamin folate and phosphorus. They have no cholesterol, and the fat they contain is all monounsaturated, which is better for a healthy heart.
RECIPE
Glazed
Almonds
1 cup whole almonds*
1/2 cup cane juice crystals*
2 tbsp. butter or margarine
1/2 tsp. Spicery Shoppe vanilla*
Heat almonds, sugar, and butter in heavy skillet over medium heat,
stirring constantly until almonds are toasted and sugar is golden brown,
about 15 minutes. Stir in vanilla. Spread nuts on a sheet of foil.
Sprinkle lightly with salt; cool. Break into 2-3 nut clusters.
*These items are available
at www.barryfarm.com
