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Jordan almonds are pastel-colored, candy coated almonds. They differ from candied or sugared almonds in that the coating of the Jordan almond is a complete candy husk that forms around the almond, whereas candied almonds are merely coated with sugar and the almond is still very evident. Jordan almonds have long been used as wedding favors, originally an Italian tradition that has long since moved into many other weddings. If you want to make Jordan almonds at home, be aware that it's a fiddly process and they may not turn out as elegant as the commercially produced ones.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups white granulated sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon liquid glucose or 1 pinch cream of tartar
  • Blanched whole almonds (you can do this at home or purchase them pre-blanched - if doing your own, they must be completely dry before using)
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Making the fondant from sugar syrup

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  1. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, stop stirring.
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  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Jordan Almonds
    Use a small pastry brush dampened with water and brush down the edges of the pan.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Jordan Almonds
    Then add either the glucose or the cream of tartar. Stir immediately.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Jordan Almonds
    Test for readiness in one of the two following ways:
    • Either take a teaspoonful and drop the syrup onto a saucer. If it forms a soft ball, it's ready. If not, keep boiling and test again shortly.
    • Place a candy thermometer into the syrup. If it registers 240ºF/115ºC, it's ready.
  5. Let stand until the air bubbles stop forming.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Jordan Almonds
    Pour the syrup into a large wet deep plate or basin or onto a marble slab with candy bar edges to prevent it from running over the sides.
    • Ensure that the depth of the syrup is no greater than 1 1/2 inches/3.8cm.
  7. It will need to be cool enough to handle.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Forming the fondant coating

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  1. Move it back and forth with the implement and your fingers.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Jordan Almonds
    The aim is for it to turn white and no longer clear. It should be free of lumps and smooth.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Jordan Almonds
    After the fondant turns smooth and white, place a dampened clean cloth or tea towel over it. Set aside to sit under this dampened cloth for 1 hour. It can remain longer if wished but 1 hour is the minimum.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Jordan Almonds
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Covering the almonds

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Jordan Almonds
    This will form the resting place for the dipped almonds. If making a lot of covered almonds, you'll need more than one plate or baking sheet; use your judgment.
  2. Pick them out with a fork. As you bring up each almond, tap gently against the side of the pan and wipe off any excess fondant.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Jordan Almonds
    Leave for 5 minutes, then turn over to dry and harden on the other side.
  4. These can now be used as wedding favors or for treats.
    • To present at a wedding, use either favor boxes or gauze bags tied with ribbon.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    If I want to add flavoring, such as almond, vanilla or orange, when do I add it?
    Community Answer
    Add the flavoring to your fondant once it's been made. Shake a few drops of flavoring into the middle of the fondant and knead it through.
  • Question
    How do I make them shiny?
    Community Answer
    When the nuts have completely cooled you can spray over them with a food-grade wax. Alternatively you can coat them with another, thinner layer of sugar syrup.
  • Question
    What can I substitute for the almonds if my daughter has nut allergies?
    Community Answer
    Try using roasted chickpeas instead of almonds. There are many roasted chickpea recipes online.
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      Tips

      • If coloring the fondant, this is easiest when the fondant is still warm. Only use 1-2 drops, it can be made darker if needed.
      • A quarter teaspoon of almond extract or other flavoring may be added to enhance the flavor of these treats.
      • These candy coated almonds are sometimes also called "dragées".
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      Things You'll Need

      • Large saucepan
      • Wooden spoon (and/or butter paddle)
      • Clean cloth or tea towel
      • Storage bowl
      • Fork
      • Airtight storage container (optional)


      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 88,146 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Fiona Smith

        Nov 7, 2020

        "I loved these treats as a child and would ask for them when treat time happened. I would like to have a go at ..." more
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