Roasted Almonds

Before I get stuck in to this week post, let me just say that I have been so busy trying out new recipes that I have not had time to update my blog. I will be more diligent in the next few weeks because I have heaps to share with you.

Settle down to watch a DVD, grab a beer or two and a few handfuls of these nuts and you are in seventh heaven. If you are inviting friends over, you can make these well in advance and have them out on your coffee table with drinks, before they arrive. Be warned you will have to make a lot otherwise you will eat them all yourself before your guests arrive.

I hate to remind you in October, that Christmas is just around the corner and this would be a great little nutty present you could make and hand out to friends. I know that most people appreciate this kind of home made gift and you will be content that they will be eaten and not taken to a Charity Shop in the New Year.

Here are two super little nutty recipes that will get you some great compliments and a tick of approval from nut lovers everywhere.

For both of these recipes you will need to use natural un-roasted, unsalted nuts.

Roasted Almonds with Black Sesame Seeds

I tasted these at a function the other day and I so loved them that I decided to try my hand at recreating them. They turned out pretty well.

400g natural unsalted almonds
1/2 cup of cashew nuts
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup maple syrup

Except for the nuts, mix all other ingredients together in a large bowl.
Then add the nuts and coats them all really well with the mixture. Either use your hands or a spoon.

Lay some baking paper onto a baking sheet and spread the almonds into a single layer.
Bake in a pre heated oven 160c degrees/325F/3 for 15 - 20 mins. Watch the timing carefully because they can burn very easily. Allow to cool, then separate any almonds that are stuck together and place in an airtight container until ready to use.

 Roasted Nuts with Herbs

11/2 cups almonds
2 small egg whites whisked
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon of garlic powder or 2 cloves of fresh minced garlic
3 tablespoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
11/2 tablespoons sugar
sea salt
1/2 cup parmesan cheese + a little extra
Few sprigs of fresh thyme

Whisk egg whites until light and frothy. Add nuts and mix. Add spices, herbs and sugar and mix well. Add 1/4 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese.

Using a baking sheet lines with baking paper, spread out the almonds in a single layer. Sprinkle with the rest of the cheese. Add a good sprinkle of sea salt and cook 15 - 20 minutes in a preheated oven. 

Again be very careful to watch the timing of these because they will burn really quickly.

While they are still hot, add another little sprinkling of extra Parmesan cheese and leave until completely cold before packing them into air tight containers.