Happy TYT! I haven’t linked up in a few weeks, so I decided to share two things that I treated myself to this past weekend.
The first treat? Chipotle.
The moment after Becky posted a photo of her Chipotle dinner on Friday is when I knew I HAD TO HAVE IT. While eating my delicious meal, I started thinking about how I probably hadn’t had Chipotle in at least six months. Six months! That’s unacceptable and I vow to never go that long without Chipotle again.
Treat number two? These:
Chocolate covered salted caramel almonds. If you’re a regular TAE reader, you’re probably aware of my love affair with salted caramel mochas from Starbucks. If they weren’t so expensive, I would probably treat myself every day. You also know that I love almonds, but that lately I’ve been craving flavored almonds vs. my usual raw almonds. So, I did what any girl would do and combined the best of both worlds to create chocolate covered salted caramel almonds.
This recipe is very simple–a little sticky–but simple nonetheless. I followed this recipe very closely for the homemade caramel sauce, with one slight modification.
Ingredients:
1 lb raw almonds
3/4 c sugar
1/4 c Stevia
1 tbsp light corn syrup
1/4 c water
1/2 c organic heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 tsp salt+extra for topping (if desired)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 12 oz. bag dark chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350º. Spread almonds out on baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes. While roasting, mix sugar, corn syrup and water in a saucepan until it reaches a boil. In another saucepan, warm the whipping cream. Allow the sugar mixture to boil on its own until it turns a caramel-y color. Once it does, remove from the heat and add warm whipping cream to the sugar mixture.
2. Use a wooden spatula to stir the mixture until smooth; add butter and salt. Once mixed together, allow to cool for 5 minutes, and then add vanilla extra.
3. Pour the almonds into a bowl and then pour the caramel mixture overtop; stir. Place the caramel covered almonds back onto the baking sheet and place into the freezer for 5 minutes.
4. Place chocolate chips in a bowl and melt in the microwave; stir.
5. Remove almonds from freezer and pour chocolate overtop; mix together.
The almonds should break off in chunks. I placed mine into a sealed tight container and stored them in the refrigerator. For the perfect salty to sweet ratio, sprinkle with extra salt before serving.
These would be the perfect holiday party snack to set in a dish for guests to eat. NOM NOM all day long!
Q: Have you fallen in love with salted caramel or are you over it? Favorite candy dish snack?
OMG – perfectly delicious treats! I love it. Can you believe I’ve never had a salted caramel mocha? I think this needs to change… starting tomorrow morning 😉 Thanks for linking up!
I think Chipotle owns my soul. I’m okay with that. It’s freakin delicious!!
These almond bites look like the perfect way to treat yourself. Yum!
Salted caramel is THE BEST. There is an ice cream shop here in Tucson that has incredible salted caramel ice cream…..I have to go there every time we drive by!
I NEED to try those almonds! OMG – they sound amazing!!
I never usually get salted caramel flavored things, but it’s delicious…so I don’t know why I don’t! LOL
As if you didn’t go to Chipotle for 6 months….you have no excuse! 😛 WE NEED ONE HERE.
Now for that recipe…um. Yum? I knew we were friends when you said to add the extra salt. Best.
You do need one!!! And yes the extra salt completes them 🙂
Those almonds look so good! I’m a huge fan of salted caramel! I love chocolate and almonds too so I can’t wait to try these.
Holy cow those almonds look amazing!! I love the addition of salt too, it would be great!
I wish we had Chipotle here!
The salt completes them!! And yes, I wish you had Chipotle too! So sad.
Sweet and salty? For me this one of the best combinations! I can’t wait to try it. Almonds, chocolate and caramel? I admit, it sounds as paradise on the Earth!
That food porn is XXXXXXXX rated!!!!! HOLY MOLY!
6 months without Chipotle?! Girllll! I go through stretches like that as well, but not by choice! We don’t have Chipotle up here in my neck of the woods, so the only time I can have it is when I’m down in the States.
Also… these almonds — fabulous! Is it even possible to get over salted caramel?!
I’m sorry you don’t have Chipotle….terrible, terrible Canada. And yes, salted caramel forever!!
Oh, yum! I’m driving to Chicago from Ohio on Thursday, and I’ve been looking for the perfect car ride snack. Found it!
yummmmmy! You know I love my chocolate sea salt almonds 🙂 I actually made some last weekend but added in some spices for a little kick. Will hopefully post the recipe soon. But seriously, caramel sea salt….AMAZING.
i’m obsessed with almonds – so this recipe is obviously perfect for me! You haven’t been to Chiptole in 6 months, I haven’t been there in over a year & half AND to Starbucks in 6 MONTHS! What’s wrong w/ me ?? 🙁 🙁
NOOOO you must go!! That’s terrible haha
Chipotle is such a guilty pleasure of mine! I’ve never gone there and been disapointed!
PS- those look incredible!
These look delicious! I haven’t tried the salted caramel mocha’s from Starbucks because it’s hard to break away from my usual skinny vanilla latte, but I might have to give it a try since it is so highly recommended! 🙂
Chipotle is by far one of my favorite go-to places to eat. My friend used to work there and would give me free burrito/bowl coupons all the time, it was awesome!
Those sound great! I love salted caramel….and chocolate…and almonds! So I think its a win all round for me! Yum!