Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Sweet Roasted Almonds



One of our family's all-time favorite snacks. Even the baby loves these. We usually just make them at Christmastime, but now we make them whenever anyone has the hankering for one. They are sooooo easy to make and I love that there are only three ingredients. Well four, if you count the almonds. We give them as gifts at Christmas and Thanksgiving and people always comment how much they taste like the almonds you get at the mall during the holiday season. Well I can tell you this for sure. They are not the same. The ones you buy at kiosks at the mall or at other stores are loaded with corn syrup and other ingredients. Although these are coated in raw sugar, you won't find the ingredients so complicated or so unhealthy. Enough talking. Here is the recipe.

2 cups raw almonds
1/4 cup honey
2 Tablespoons butter (use coconut oil for a vegan treat)
1 cup organic or raw sugar

Spread almonds evenly on rimmed cookie sheet. Place in 350° oven and roast about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well roasted.

Meanwhile, on medium heat, heat honey and oil to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add almonds; simmer and stir for two minutes, until almonds are evenly coated.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer almonds to a lightly greased baking sheet, or sheet of wax paper and spread in a single layer. Cool slightly. Toss almonds with sugar until coated.

This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled, etc. Great as a compliment to fruit, cheese, and other dishes. Or on their own as we prefer them!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

National eclair Day



June 22nd is National Eclair Day! I like special days like that. Here's an old post I did of Chocolate Eclair Cake that I make every now and then for the kids. It's a good summertime dessert and super easy to make.

Will you be having an eclair today?

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Cherry-Almond Smoothie


I am not sure where I came up with this recipe. I found it written in my own handwriting in my recipe binder. So either it's a recipe I found and altered to my own liking, or it's from somewhere else. If you recognize it, please let me know the source!

Cherry-Almond Smoothie
1 cup frozen cherries
1/2 banana
1 cup almond milk
1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt (we use Greek)
1 Tbsp. sliced almonds
ice (1/2 cup-1 cup pellets)

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately. Serves 4.