Golden Honey Almond Bites
Transport yourself to the sweet nostalgic days of your childhood with these delightful Golden Honey Almond Bites. Inspired by a cherished recipe from an old Temple Beth Israel cookbook, these treats blend the warmth of honey with crunchy roasted almonds and plump golden raisins, creating a chewy confection that captivates both young and old alike. With a touch of ginger for added flavor, these indulgent bites can be enjoyed on special occasions or as a simple afternoon snack. Dressed with crushed almonds and colorful cherries, they make for an eye-catching treat that’s as pleasing to the eye as to the palate. Whether shared with family or enjoyed alone, each bite is a sweet reminder of simpler times, evoking memories of love and tradition.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups (sifted)
sugar
1 cup + 1 tablespoon (divided)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
eggs
3 (beaten)
unsalted roasted almonds
10 ounces (whole)
golden raisins
5 ounces (plumped in sweet wine (optional))
honey
1 lb (clover recommended)
ground ginger
1 teaspoon (or 1/2 inch fresh ginger, peeled)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
hot filtered water
3/4 cup (none)
sweet wine
1/2 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, create a well with the flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
2
Add the vegetable oil and beaten eggs to the center of the well and mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon until fully combined. The dough should become quite elastic.
3
Pinch off pieces of dough about the size of a large egg and roll them between your palms until they resemble long strands the thickness of a drinking straw.
4
On a floured surface, flatten each strand to about 1 inch wide and then cut them into 1-inch segments.
5
Place a roasted almond and two golden raisins on each cut piece, then roll it into a ball, ensuring that the filling is completely sealed inside.
6
In a large pot, combine honey, 1 cup of sugar, and ground ginger, and bring the mixture to a boil.
7
Carefully drop the prepared dough balls into the boiling honey mixture. Reduce the heat to medium and let simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8
Adjust the heat to maintain a slow rolling boil throughout the cooking process.
9
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bites from the honey and set them aside on a prepared cookie sheet.
10
Lower the heat and add the hot water to the remaining honey mixture, stirring frequently until reduced by about 1/4.
11
Return the cooked bites to the pot and gently coat them in the honey reduction for an additional 5 minutes.
12
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bites back to the cookie sheet or a flat platter to cool.
13
Optionally, sprinkle the finished bites with crushed almonds for extra texture and garnish with cut red and green candied cherries if desired.
14
For added flavor, plump the raisins in sweet wine before using. Be sure to drain and pat them dry before adding to the mixture.
15
Enjoy these sticky treats immediately or store them in an airtight container for several weeks, savoring the delightful flavors and memories they bring.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Golden Honey Almond Bites?
They are chewy honey-based confections filled with roasted almonds and golden raisins, inspired by traditional recipes.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a cherished treat found in an old Temple Beth Israel cookbook.
What type of flour should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What kind of honey is recommended?
Clover honey is recommended for the best flavor profile in this recipe.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground?
Yes, you can substitute the 1 teaspoon of ground ginger with 1/2 inch of fresh, peeled ginger.
How do I prepare the dough?
Create a well with flour, salt, and sugar, then add vegetable oil and beaten eggs to the center and mix until elastic.
What is the ideal thickness for the dough strands?
The dough strands should be rolled to the thickness of a drinking straw.
How large should the dough segments be?
The flattened strands should be cut into 1-inch segments.
How do I fill the almond bites?
Place one roasted almond and two golden raisins on each cut piece of dough.
How do I ensure the filling stays inside?
Roll the dough into a ball and ensure that the filling is completely sealed inside.
What ingredients are in the boiling mixture?
The boiling mixture consists of honey, 1 cup of sugar, and ground ginger.
How long should the dough balls simmer?
The dough balls should simmer in the honey mixture for 35 to 40 minutes.
What heat level is required for simmering?
Adjust the heat to maintain a slow rolling boil, typically medium heat.
Why is stirring important during simmering?
Stirring occasionally is necessary to prevent the honey-coated bites from sticking to the pot.
What is the best way to remove bites from the pot?
Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the bites from the boiling honey mixture.
Why is hot water added to the honey mixture?
Hot water is added to the remaining honey to create a reduction for the final coating.
How long is the final honey coating step?
Return the bites to the honey reduction and gently coat them for an additional 5 minutes.
Where should the bites cool?
Transfer the finished bites to a prepared cookie sheet or a flat platter to cool.
How can I add extra crunch to the bites?
You can optionally sprinkle the finished bites with crushed almonds for extra texture.
Can I use candied cherries for garnish?
Yes, cut red and green candied cherries make an eye-catching garnish for these treats.
How do I plump the raisins?
You can plump the raisins by soaking them in sweet wine before incorporating them into the dough.
What should I do after soaking raisins in wine?
Be sure to drain the raisins and pat them dry before adding them to the dough balls.
How should these honey bites be stored?
Store the bites in an airtight container to maintain their chewiness and flavor.
How long will these treats last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these bites can last for several weeks.
Are these bites suitable for holidays?
Yes, they are described as a perfect treat for special occasions, holidays, or simple afternoon snacks.
What type of oil is used in the dough?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifically requires the all-purpose flour to be sifted.
How much sugar is in the dough itself?
The dough contains 1 tablespoon of sugar as part of the initial dry mixture.
How much sugar is added to the honey syrup?
One full cup of sugar is added to the honey and ginger to create the boiling mixture.
What is the flavor profile of these bites?
They are sweet and chewy with the warmth of honey, the crunch of almonds, and a touch of ginger.