I don’t know if it is the BEST way but the way I do it is to cover them with boiling water, leave for a couple of minutes and then peel the skins off with a small sharp knife. By then the skins are coming away from the nut and come off very easily. I will be interested to see if there is a better and quicker method but this works fine for me.
jeannette - Thank you, so much, for your prompt reply. Your method of blanching almonds worked perfectly. My grandson and I are making Witch’s Finger sugar cookies for school. After blanching the almonds, you split them in half with a sharp paring knife. They make perfect fingernails. Sounds gruesome, but the kids love them. Have a blessed day, Jeannette.
So glad the method I have used for years worked for you too! It is nice that you let me know, sometimes people ask for help and never bother to reply to those who offer it. Thank you.
If you soak them in ice water after blanching in boiling water, the skin comes loose almost by itself, so you don’t need to use the knife at all - just pull the loose skins yourself.
Jenn, I’m sorry, that’s what I meant to say. After boiling them for 2 minutes, drain them and lay them out on a paper towel. Pick them up and pinch the fat end. The nuts will pop out by themselves. Then cut them in half with a sharp knife. Thanks, so much, for your reply. It’s great to have cooking friends that will give you tips you can’t even find in the best of cooking publications. Happy Thanksgiving. mariel.
