Green Almonds

• 56 green almonds, at the jelly stage in early spring

Carefully slit open the almond shells with a sharp knife, without piercing the kernel. Place the almonds directly into cold water as you are shelling. Bring a saucepan of water to the boil and blanch the almonds for 15 seconds then refresh in iced water. These almonds should be blanched no more than 1 hour before serving or they will discolour.