Almonds are a great source of protein and make a great snack but in pursuit of making them taste not just delicious but truly amazing, the addition of extras can pack on the calories.
This is another of my low, fat nut recipes. I used raw sugar; only because I didn't have brown sugar when I wanted to cook and a trip to the shop was a bit much. The raw sugar gives them a crunchy, light crust which is delicious.
INGREDIENTS
3 cups of raw whole almonds- about 750g
1/3 cup raw sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon- more or less to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground rock or sea salt
1 egg white
1 teaspoon water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
METHOD
1. Preheat oven to 135 degrees Celsius (275F.)
2. Line large baking tray with baking paper.
3. Whisk egg white, vanilla and water until thick and foamy.
4. Add cinnamon, sugar and salt.
5. Whisk until well mixed.
6. Add almonds and stir until evenly coated.
7. Spread evenly onto baking sheet.
8. Bake for 30 minutes.
9. Stir and separate any that are stuck together.
10. Reduce oven temperature to 100 degrees Celsius (205F) and bake about 30 minutes until dry.
11. Stir and leave on tray to cool. They will become crisp once cool.
12. Store in airtight container.
For a bit more of a kick check out my Spicy Spanish Almonds Recipe.
Written by Ashley Dawson-Damer
It wasn't the "50-something women and beyond" portion of the title that attracted me to this book. Rather it was the relaxed and welcoming smile. I have reached the age of 50 and sometimes I sure do feel it, so I was sure there was something in the book for me. Books by Australian authors always have an added attraction because we have a different way of expressing ourselves. We write as if we are talking to a mate or our next door neighbour.
This book is a woman's story - Ashley's story. A story of reaching the age of 50+, passing through menopause, ferrying her children through adolescence, maintaining her marriage, being widowed and being happy to admit her age.
I have to admit, I didn't learn an amazing new way of living, a fabulous wrinkle-removing cosmetic surgery procedure or how to retire before turning 50. What this book did do for me was renew my resolve to live and eat a healthy and simple diet, exercise regularly and put time in to consciously relax.
Ashley's principles are to drink a lot of water and eat a healthy organic diet. At no stage, does she advocate becoming a vegetarian or beyond, or abstinence from the good stuff for the rest of your life. Her argument is also that any exercise is better than none. I can relate to that.
The book is written in a conversational style with some biographical content. The examples that Ashley gives are from her own life and so you gain an understanding of who she really is.
I recommend this book for anyone who is looking to get back on track with a healthy lifestyle. It is a relaxing book to read with a few simple messages. That is what I need to remain focused on having a healthy life.
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Photo courtesy of the Book Depository. The best online bookstore in Australia.
