Snacking is the downfall of many a dieter. As anyone who completes a food diary (we recommend the brilliant myfitnesspal) will know, little nibbles can soon add up to an alarmingly large quantity of our daily calories.
But sometimes half an apple and nut butter or a bag of crudités just won’t do. To stop you heading for the family size bar of Fruit and Nut, buy a big bag of almonds and jazz them up a bit with our three easy recipe ideas.
Chocolate and chilli almonds
Great when: You’re craving an intense chocolate hit
Serves 4
120g whole natural almonds
80g dark chocolate, chopped
½ tsp dried chilli flakes
Simply combine the almonds, chopped chocolate and chilli flakes, then share between 4 small tins or sealable pots. If dried chilli flakes are too hot for you, choose dark chocolate flavoured with chilli for a more subtle taste.
Sea-salted Caramel Almonds
Great when: You’ve got guests – these make perfect nibbles with your favourite apéritif
Serves 4
120g whole natural almonds
15g butter
2 tbsp caster sugar
1 tsp sea salt
Heat the almonds in a dry frying pan for about 1-2 minutes, stirring, then add the butter and let it melt, stirring it into the nuts. Sprinkle in the sugar and cook for 1-2 more minutes, until the sugar caramelizes and just begins to smoke a little. Remove from the heat immediately and cool. Sprinkle in the sea salt, then serve.
Mocha Almonds
Great when: You’re craving a coffee and a brownie – double win!
Serves 4
120g whole natural almonds
1 tsp instant coffee powder
2 tbsp instant hot chocolate powder
Put the almonds into a dry frying pan and heat for about 1-2 minutes, then add 1 tbsp water, along with the coffee powder and 1 tbsp chocolate powder. Stir for a few moments until the liquid has evaporated and the almonds are coated, then remove from the heat and cool. Add the rest of the chocolate powder and toss to coat.
Leave out the coffee powder if you prefer a more chocolately flavour, and for more intensity, use cocoa powder instead of hot chocolate.
Treats this delicious need portion control. So when you’re done, portion out into four little tins and keep on hand for emergencies. Like when the office biscuit tin does the rounds.
Recipes and images supplied by California Almonds
What do you snack on to stop eating junk? Take a snap of your healthy snack and tag us in it on Instagram @healthymagdaily – we love to get your ideas!