Blanched Almonds

The term 'blanching' refers to a cooking process wherein food items such as vegetables or fruits are put in boiling water and removed after a certain period of time. These are then placed under cold running water. The process of blanching is often used when one needs the food item to be just cooked partially. The process of blanching also makes the task of peeling the thick skin of any fruit or vegetable easier. Nuts such as almonds and pistachios can also be blanched. Once you have blanched the almonds, you can easily peel off their skin. These almonds can be ground to make a paste. Blanching helps to preserve the flavor of almonds. No wonder, almonds that are blanched are often used in desserts. You can blanch almonds and store them in the freezer and use them whenever you want. A cup of whole kernels of blanched almonds amounts to 842 calories. These include 73% fats, 14% carbohydrates and 13% protein. Here's some information on how to blanch almonds.

How to Blanch Almonds

Things You Will Need

• Raw almonds
• Saucepan
• Strainer
• Boiling water
• Cold water

Procedure

• Take a saucepan and fill half of it with water.
• Turn on the flame and bring the water to a boil.
• Add the almonds to the boiling water and make sure all of them are covered or submerged in water.
• Let the almonds remain in boiling water for a minute.
• Make sure that almonds don't stay in water for more than a minute or these might become soggy.
• Use a strainer to drain the almonds and rinse them immediately with cold water.
• Get hold of some clean paper towel and spread the almonds on it.
• Pat the almonds dry and proceed with peeling off the skin.
• Peeling off the skin is an easy procedure. Since placing almonds in boiling water makes the skin slippery, you can easily peel it off.
• After peeling off the skin, place the almonds on a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry.
• If you are not planning to use these almonds anytime soon, you could put them in an air tight container and place them in the freezer.

Blanching Almonds in a Microwave

Things You Will Need

• Almonds
• Microwave safe cup
• Water

Procedure

• Wash the almonds properly and place them in the microwave safe cup.
• Now you need to pour water in the cup. If you have half a cup of almonds, make sure you put only a quarter cup of water.
• Now you need to microwave the almonds for about a minute, make sure that the water in the cup is boiling hot.
• Take the cup out of the microwave and use a strainer to drain the almonds.
• Run them under cold water for some time.
• Place them over a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry.
• Peel off the skin and pat them dry and store them in a freezer for future use.

Almond Butter Recipe

Things You Will Need

• Almonds
• Sweet almond oil
• Honey

Procedure

• Before you blanch almonds, make sure that they are not very old.
• Place the almonds in boiling water for a minute.
• Run these almonds under cold water and peel off the skin.
• Place the almonds on a clean towel and pat them dry.
• Now place the almonds in a microwave safe bowl and roast them.
• Put the roasted almonds in a grinder or a food processor.
• You need to set the food processor at a high speed for about 10-12 minutes.
• Processing will lead to the release of almond oil.
• Set the microwave at 110 degrees and warm up a little sweet almond oil.
• Add this oil to the processor and process till you get a smooth consistency.
• Add a little honey to sweeten the almond butter and process till the honey blends in the butter.
• Blanched almond butter is ready! Put the almond butter in a jar and place it in the refrigerator.

These were instructions for blanching almonds. You can sprinkle toast these almonds over salads or use them for garnishing the desserts. Flour or butter made from blanched almonds can be used to make delicious cookies.