Guangdong Almond Crunch
Background and History
The Guangdong Almond Crunch is a traditional dessert hailing from the Guangdong province in China. Renowned for its rich culinary heritage, Guangdong cuisine is famous for its light, fresh, and natural taste, and this dessert perfectly encapsulates these traits. The almond, a central ingredient, has been a part of Chinese culinary practices for centuries, valued for its nutritional benefits and delightful flavor. Historically, the dish was often prepared during the Lunar New Year, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Its crunchy texture and sweet aroma make it a favorite among all age groups.
Ingredients
- Almonds - 200g
- Butter - 100g
- Sugar - 150g
- Honey - 2 tablespoons
- Plain Flour - 2 tablespoons
- Egg White - 1 large
- Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
- Baking Powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt - a pinch
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the Almonds
Almonds should be blanched and chopped. To blanch almonds, soak them in boiling water for a few minutes until the skin loosens. Then, remove the skin and chop into small pieces. This will enhance the texture and flavor of the crunch.
Step 2: Making the Crunch Mixture
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the honey and mix well. Beat in the egg white and vanilla extract. Sift in the plain flour, baking powder, and salt, and fold into the mixture. Finally, stir in the chopped almonds until evenly distributed.
Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Scoop spoonfuls of the almond mixture onto the tray, pressing to flatten slightly, and ensuring enough space between each to allow for spreading. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Use a cooking timer to ensure precision. Once done, allow the almond crunches to cool on a wire rack.
How to Enjoy Guangdong Almond Crunch
The Guangdong Almond Crunch is perfect as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee. Its buttery and nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the bitterness of tea, especially a good jasmine or green tea. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their crispness and enjoy them over several days. They also make a wonderful gift, wrapped in decorative paper and a ribbon, sharing a piece of Guangdong's rich culinary tradition with friends and family.