GIVE FESTIVE DINNERS NEW FLAIR with these easy ALMOND Recipes
Almond Cranberry Sauce
Make an elegant Almond-Cranberry Sauce with whole cranberries and blanched almonds.
Ingredients
1/3 cup whole blanched almonds
2 cups of sugar
1 cup of water
1 pound raw cranberries
1/2 cup apricot jam
1/4 cup lemon juice
Method
Spread 1/3 cup whole blanched almonds in a shallow pan and place in a 350-degree oven to warm for 5 minutes. Split almonds into halves with a paring knife (they split easily when warm). Combine in a saucepan 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water; bring to a boil without stirring. Cook this syrup for 5 minutes over medium heat. Meanwhile, wash 1 pound of raw cranberries, add to syrup and cook them for 3 to 5 minutes or until they burst. Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 cup apricot jam and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Chill sauce, then add the almonds.
Makes about 1 quart.
Almond Cheese Ball
Surprise guests with an Almond-Cheese Ball made with sliced natural almonds.
Ingredients
1/2 pound sharp Cheddar cheese
3 ounces softened cream cheese
1/4 cup diced pimiento
3/4 cup sliced natural almonds
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated onion
Dash of cayenne
Method
Grate 1/2 pound sharp Cheddar cheese; mix with 3 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup diced pimiento, 3/4 cup sliced natural almonds, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon grated onion, and a dash of cayenne. Shape into a ball. Coat with 1/4 cup more almonds. Serve chilled
Almond Crescent Cookies
Make festive Almond Crescent Cookies with whole natural almonds.
Ingredients
1 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 tablespoon brandy
2 teaspoons water
1 cup whole natural almonds
2 cups flour
Additional chopped almonds
Method
Cream 1 cup of butter or margarine with 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar until light. Mix in 1 tablespoon brandy and 2 teaspoons water. Chop 1 cup whole natural almonds and add with 2 cups flour to creamed mixture. Chill. Shape small pieces of dough into crescents. Dip into additional chopped almonds. Bake on an ungreased cooky sheet at 350-degrees for 12-15 minutes.
Use Slivered Almonds to Stuff the Turkey:
To each quart of prepared stuffing, add about 1/2 cup slivered almonds that have been roasted in a skillet coated with oil. Add a few snipped dried apricots or pitted prunes if you wish.
