Lemoncello Almonds

Now, I've lived a number of years, maybe not all in the greatest culinary awareness, but the last 30 years or so, however, I've lived in a major metropolitan area in the United States, so I've had access to a great variety of ethnic groceries and specialty food shops.  I've also had a chance to travel to many countries, including Austria, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, to name a few.  In that time, I've had a chance to sample a lot of food, main dishes, appetizers, salads, desserts, you name it.  I'm not one to shy away from trying out something new (unless it has been preserved longer than I've had my last toothbrush.)

Anyway, after all these years, imagine my great surprise that I have discovered a confection that ranks as my new #1 sweet sensation.  They are lemon confectionary almonds called "Lemoncello Almonds," and, to put it mildly, they are delicious.  The package describes the candy as "roasted almonds covered in white chocolate and lemon cream."  That's indeed how they taste. I found these in a modest little grocery near my home in a small display--not a specialty grocery or even a candy shop.

The makers of these lemony, white chocolate-covered almonds, the Sconza family of Italian descent, write a bit about their history.  The package explains, "Inspired by the fragrant lemon groves of Sorrento, Italy, the third generation of the Sconza family created this unique and delicious Lemoncello confection to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of their parnets, Jim and Carolyn. Our family promise to you has been the same since 1939, when Vincenzo made the first piece of candy in his kitchen."

Well, imagine that, 1939 and I just discovered them in 2014!  All those years wasted!  Well, at least I found them.  Hats off to Vincenzo who began a wonderful tradition.  I'm anxious to visit Sorrento and inhale some of that lemon aroma wafting through the groves! 

Honestly, this candy is just the right amount of almond, lemon and white chocolate.  If you've given up sugar, reconsider that decision, at least for one package of these.

Warning:  Don't open the package until you are ready to eat them ALL!
Buon appetito!