Sweet and Salty Candied Sliced Almonds

1 Heat oven to 300°F / 150°C.
2 Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
3 In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, water, salt, and cinnamon / cayenne (if using). Bring to a simmer. Simmer until all of the sugar is dissolved.
4 Remove saucepan from heat and gently fold in almonds.
5 Spread almonds out in a single layer on prepared sheet pan. Use forks to spread them out as much as possible.
6 Bake almonds until evenly golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Take them out of the oven every 7 to 8 minutes and flip with a spatula so that they brown evenly. 
7 Let cool completely and then break apart if needed.
8 Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.