How to Blanch Almonds

Step 1

Bring a small pot of water to a boil.

Step 2

Place your raw almonds into the boiling water. Let them boil for exactly one minute. Don't boil for any longer than 60 seconds, or your almonds will start to soften.

Step 3

Drain the almonds immediately in a colander or strainer and rinse them with cold water to cool them.

Step 4

Blot the almonds dry with a paper towel. You'll notice that the skins will be slightly shriveled.

Step 5

Use your fingers to gently squeeze the almonds and loosen the skin from them. Careful, if you squeeze too hard they'll shoot across the room-- which is fun, but not super practical! You can squeeze them from one hand into another to keep them from "launching" too far.

Step 6

Once you remove the skins, let the almonds dry off completely. Discard the skins.

Step 7

Now the almonds are blanched and ready to use in your recipe!