Chocolate-Coated Almonds

• Recipe by Carrie Pillar

Carrie's almonds, covered in white sugar and drizzled with chocolate, are based on a recipe from Pierre Hermé, the French pastry chef.

Ingredients

1. 1/3 cup granulated sugar
2. 3 tablespoons water
3. 1 1/4 cups blanched whole almonds, toasted
4. 5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water and boil over moderate heat without stirring until the syrup reaches 248° on a candy thermometer, 10 minutes. Add the almonds and stir to coat. Spread the nuts in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet; let cool. 
2. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the candied almonds and refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 15 minutes. Serve cold or at room temperature.