Kavlak Mardin Sugar-Coated Almonds (Badem Şekeri) – Jordan Almonds

Sugar-coated almonds are exactly what they sound like: a whole almond at the center, wrapped in a hard, glossy shell of crystallized sugar. Bite through the shell and you get a clean snap, then the toasted almond inside — the simple crunch-and-sweet contrast that has made this one of Turkey's most loved candies. Kavlak makes theirs in the style of Mardin, the southeastern city famous for its almond sweets, where the candy is known as badem şekeri. The recipe is honest and short. Almonds and sugar — that is the whole ingredient list. The almonds are roasted, then turned slowly in sugar syrup so a smooth coating builds up layer by layer and dries into a firm shell. Because there is nothing in it but almonds and sugar, it is naturally gluten-free, and suitable for vegetarians and vegans. This is the same family of confection the West calls a Jordan almond or sugared almond dragée — the kind handed out at weddings and celebrations. In Turkey, badem şekeri is above all the candy that sits next to coffee. Serve a small bowl with Turkish coffee or black tea and let guests crack one between sips — the toasted almond plays beautifully against the bitterness of the cup. It is also a fixture at weddings, engagements, and mevlid gatherings, and a natural choice for favor boxes and gift tins. Mardin is especially known for its pastel-colored sugar almonds, including the celebrated blue "ghost" almonds traditionally tinted with extract from the local lahor (madder) root. Keep the pack sealed in a cool, dry place, away from heat and humidity so the sugar shell stays crisp. Available in 250g and 500g — a 250g pack to keep on the coffee tray, or 500g for gatherings and gifting.