Almond Snack!

Since I try to keep the foods around the house of the healthier variety, I'm always on the lookout for ideas to provide snacks that satisfy yet aren't full of empty calories. Over the recent weekend, I remembered a favorite one. After making a batch, I couldn't believe I had forgotten about it. It all started when I was sorting through the freezer and discovered a bag of almonds . . .

Almond Snack
Approximately two pounds of shelled but unblanched almonds
1 egg white
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more if you like it hotter)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large, rimmed baking pan with parchment paper.

Dump the almonds into a large mixing bowl. Add the egg white and mix into the nuts to coat them all. I know, it seems that one egg white isn't enough but it is! Add the rest of the ingredients and mix to get all the nuts coated.

Spread the nuts evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes or until the nut are hot through and the coating is dry. It is a good idea to pull the pan out every few minutes and stir them around for more even roasting.

Let them cool thoroughly before storing them in a container. Makes a great hostess gift packed in a small canning jar with a bit of fabric to decorate the lid. Nice to have a jar on the counter for the family to grab a quick snack. Goes well with an apple for breakfast!

First-class candy at candy bar prices . . .

This is a favorite treat for the holidays but I've come to the conclusion that one doesn't always have to wait for Christmas trees to sprout up in our living rooms to enjoy a batch of these candies. The only real trick to getting a good batch is making sure you don't leave the room and maintain the level at rolling boil not burning sugar!

ALMOND TOFFEE AT HOME
1 ½ sticks butter, no substitutes
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup toasted and coarsely chopped almonds

Melt the butter and sugars together in a pot and bring to a gentle rolling boil. Maintain the rolling boil for five minutes, stirring constantly. Add the nuts, bring to a rolling boil and continue for another five minutes, stirring to prevent burning.

Spread the mixture on a sheet of greased foil (heavily use any vegetable oil spray.). Sprinkle with chocolate chips and spread out as they melt. Put in the refrigerator until set. Break into pieces and store in a closed container in a cool place.