Almond Praline

Ingredients :

• 12 oz (340 g) blanched almonds, slivered or chopped
• 2/3 cup (165 ml) water
• 2 ¼ cups (560 ml) granulated sugar

Procedure :

1. Place almonds on tray and put into a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven. Switch oven off and leave almonds there for duration of cooking time of the sugar (about 15-20 minutes).
2. Thoroughly grease a marble slab or two 9 x 13 inch (22 x 33 cm) pans. In a heavy-based saucepan, over medium heat, dissolve water and sugar, stirring constantly and occasionally brushing down sides of saucepan with a wet pastry brush to remove sugar crystals. When sugar is dissolved, bring to a boil for 15-18 minutes over high heat until mixture is a light caramel shade.
3. Remove saucepan from heat, dip base into cold water immediately, and quickly add warm almonds. Stir gently and pour straight onto a greased marble slab or into pans. Allow to cool, break into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container.

Praline powder. This is excellent for filling chocolates. Place praline pieces into a powerful food processor (350 - 500 watt) and use the strongest blade to reduce praline to a fine powder. Store in an airtight container.

Ready made peanut brittle can be used instead of praline. Break peanut brittle into pieces and use a processor or blender to reduce to powder.