Caramelized Almonds

Caramelized almonds can be prepared days ahead of time and stored in a cool place. Crush them up and use in a cake batter for more flavor and a surprise of crunchiness when savoring the cake. To use as a garnish, press the crushed caramelized nuts around the circumference of frosted or glazed cakes, making for an extra treat in the last bite. This recipe uses slivered almonds, but hazelnuts are also very good; hazelnuts need to be chopped into small pieces with a blender or by hand first. M