Candied Almonds

Williams-Sonoma Medici Almonds

My grandfather was a lover of all things related to candy or nuts.  And candied almonds were his nirvana - the BEST of both worlds. I must agree as well. There is something so satisfying biting into the hard, yet sweet, outer shell and into the loveliest almond. YUM.

We used to find glass jars filled with these nuts - hidden behind other jars of candy, hidden downstairs in the basement where my grandmother never went. I remember sitting next to him on his couch, or on the pew at church and having his big hand of his sneak a little candy-covered nut into my little hand. His eyes twinkling, but his face not giving it away that he was sneaking me a little treat before lunch or dinner. Looking back I'm sure my parents knew. How could they not? It's not like you could be quiet chomping on this in church! LOL. Ohhh the good memories I have of my grandfather. I miss him dearly.

When I was much older and living away I would come visit him at his house and he'd always offer me some candied almonds while we visited together. After my grandmother passed away he was much more open with his love for candy, although, he still kept it hid from public view. I think that was mainly to appease my mother. She and her mother used to tsk tsk at his candy / nut loving ways. But guess what? He lived to the ripe old age of 89 -- just shy of his 90th birthday. So it's hard to say who was right about his eating habits. Sure, he could have lost some weight around the middle (who can't?) but he was happy. Always whistling while he worked, buying candy from locals and sharing them with whomever he met on the street.

He was a general surgeon and doctor to many, many people. I remember sleeping over at their house when I was little and being awoken in the middle of the night from the phone ringing. He took calls from patients 24/7. He always had his black bag in the back of his car and was prepared for whatever came his way. And you know what he also had in the back of his trunk? Candied almonds!

Williams-Sonoma gives us a little history lesson with these nuts on their website stating,  "Glazed almonds were first served at lavish feasts in ancient Greece, and sugared almonds dazzled guests at the wedding feast of Catherine de’ Medici and the future King Henry II of France in 1533."

Who knew? All I know is that they're delicious and without any real testing or proof - I think they kept my grandfather alive for almost 90 years!

I love you grandpapa!

Enjoy!

P.S. Williams-Sonoma is sold out of their Medicis Almonds. But never fear. You can buy Jordan Almonds on Amazon all year long. Woohoo!