Ametlles Garapinyades

THE MARCONA ALMONDS FROM TARRAGONA ARE PERHAPS THE BEST IN THE WORLD. FLAT OVAL AT ONE END AND POINTED AT THE OTHER, THEY ARE CRUNCHY TO THE TOOTH AND MELT INTO A CREAMY PASTE IN THE MOUTH. THEY SAY YOU CAN’T IMPROVE ON PERFECTION, BUT THE DELICATE COATING OF SUGAR CRYSTALS THEY ARE GIVEN IN THIS RECIPE WOULD SURELY COME CLOSE. IT’S A FAIRLY TRICKY METHOD TO GET RIGHT — IT TOOK ME A FEW GOES! — SO DON’T BE DISCOURAGED BY ANY EARLY DISAPPOINTMENTS.