Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Something Sweet: Toasted Maple Glazed Almonds with Pink Himalayan Salt




Sometimes, a body just needs something sweet. Toasted maple glazed almonds are nutritious,  satisfying, and can be made in minutes. The toasty almond flavor is deliciously enhanced by a rich maple syrup- olive oil glaze and a sprinkling of salt. I use a heavy cast iron skillet to toast the almonds on top of the stove- much faster and energy efficient than doing it in the oven.


Ingredients:

1+1/2 cups raw almonds
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 pinch pink Himalayan salt (or plain sea salt) 


Method:

Place almonds in a cast iron skillet (or other heavy pan) over medium heat. Shake pan frequently while almonds toast; once the pan heats up the almonds can burn quickly. Have a stainless steel or ceramic bowl within easy reach. 





When almonds are fragrant and take on a nice toasted color, pour immediately into the bowl. Add olive oil and maple syrup; toss well until almonds are coated.  Return almonds to the pan and heat gently over a low flame for a minute or two, stirring constantly. The glaze will quickly become sticky and adhere to the almonds. As soon as this happens, remove pan from heat and spoon the almonds in one layer onto a platter or a sheet of waxed paper to cool. Sprinkle lightly with salt.




Pink Himalayan Salt
For a very decadent treat, serve with small pieces of your favorite dark chocolate.