Bavarian Almonds

If you have ever been to downtown Chicago during the Christmas season you know that it is a feast for the eyes with one million white lights illuminating Michigan Avenue to the elaborate animated storefront windows on State Street at Macy's that tells a different holiday story each year to the two story high ornately, decorated Christmas tree that graces the Walnut Room. It is also a feast for the stomach at the annual Chistkindlemarket, which provides an opportunity to devour German delicacies, like brats, potato pancakes, goulash and Gluhwein (a warm spiced wine). My daughter Kim loves the cinnamon almonds that can be found there. Here is my version:

Bavarian Almonds

Ingredients:

2 and 1/2 cups almonds
1/2 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla


In a 2 quart sauce pan, combine water, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Place over high heat and stir with a wooden spoon until mixture comes to a boil. Clip on candy thermometer. Cook until 238 degrees or soft ball stage. Take out thermometer and remove from heat. Use wooden spoon to beat for 1 minute until mixture us creamy. Add vanilla and nuts and stir until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Use two forks to separate the almonds into single nuts. Store in an air tight certainer.

MY TIP: Bring your own skates and skate right away at Millennium Park for free, that way you avoid the hour long or longer line to buy skates for $10!

MY OTHER TIP: Go up to the 8th floor of Macy's in the gallery and take in the splendor of the beautifully decorated Christmas tree! And don't forget while there to take the elevator to the fourth floor to see the Tiffany Dome! It is over 100 years old with over 1.6 million glass pieces! Breathtaking!