Christmas is a big deal to my in-laws.  Word is that my sister-in-law has created an epic menu that spans Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day (it’s on the 26th; it’s a British thing).  The house is decorated, and the tree is trimmed.  I was told to bring nothing but my festive smile and our Secret Santa gifts, but we simply can’t show up empty-handed.

Here’s a sweet little gift that you can create from ingredients you probably already have hiding in your pantry – Molasses Almonds.  If you don’t have molasses, you could sub in maple syrup – I bet it would be tasty!

Molasses Almonds

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole almonds (mine were roasted and salted)
• 2 egg whites
• 1/4 heaping cup brown sugar
• 1/4 heaping cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons dark molasses
• 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
• Beat egg whites until frothy, then add in all reminding ingredients except almonds and mix well.
• Mix in almonds, thoroughly coating the nuts.
• Spread out on greased casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes, stirring once.
• Remove and let fully cool.  Break apart and store in air-tight container.

Off to pick up DadHTP from the airport; he flew in all the way from California.  Let the celebrations begin!