Savory Roasted Almonds
Summers are perfect for last minute get-togethers. It seems that we never plan much in the summer, but our weekends are always full! It’s the best time of year!
When these last-minute get-togethers happen, my husband ALWAYS tells me “you don’t have to make anything, just go buy something to take, or to serve when people come over”. It’s very considerate of him to think this way, really, because he doesn’t want to add work to my plate. However, it TOTALLY goes against ME! I think it would be similar to telling a hair stylist, “oh, don’t worry about your hairdo for going out tonight…it looks fine (right after said stylist got done working out)”. Or something like that. Yeah, not happening!
I cook. That’s what I do. I love making food I think people will enjoy. Period. So, the last time I needed something super quick for a last minute party, and, by the way, didn’t have time to go to the store, I quickly whipped up a batch of these tasty little almonds and they were a hit!
The best part about this recipe is that it didn’t require a trip to the store. Being summer, I have fresh herbs growing right outside my door, and I ALWAYS have whole almonds on hand. The rest of the ingredients are pantry items, and don’t worry, if you don’t have the smoked paprika I used, feel free to use regular paprika. Or try another spice – chili powder, or even ground mustard would taste fab. Any other herb would taste great too if you don’t have thyme. Mix it up however you like!
Also, I learned that next time I make them for a party, I MUST hide them from my husband or there won’t be any left to serve! He can nearly devour a whole batch in one sitting. His snacking habit might be a good topic for another post…
Enjoy the recipe, and most of all, enjoy all the last minute parties that summer is famous for!
Savory Roasted Almonds How-To Photos:
Fresh thyme…pick the leaves off the stems by running the stems lightly through your fingers
This is the coconut oil I prefer.
Before baking shot
After baking 2 minutes the oil is melted and you can toss to coat the almonds well.
Savory Roasted Almonds
Yield: 2 cups (16, 2 tablespoon servings)
Nutrition Info (per 2 tablespoons): 111 cals, 4 g pro, 4 g carb, 10 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 1 g sat fat, 2 g fiber, 74 mg sodium
Ingredients:
2 cups whole almonds
1 tablespoon refined coconut oil
2 teaspoons snipped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked or regular paprika
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Method:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread almonds in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Add oil to pan. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, paprika, and pepper.
Bake for 2 minutes or until coconut oil is melted. Stir well to coat almonds with spices and oil. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes more or until almonds are nicely toasted. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Enjoy!
