Fun and Frugal: Quick Roasted Almonds

Okay you fit and frugal peeps. Jan here with a recipe that's SO EASY and SO GOOD you'll love it!

Remember, this month I'm sharing recipes that are 1) low cost, 2) tasty and 3) healthy.

Almonds aren't really low calorie, but they're such a healthy snack, you just have to have a few every day. I usually allow myself about 25 almonds a day, for around 170 calories. That way I get the nutrition without breaking the calorie bank.

I made my roasted almonds using a recipe from Spark People, but you can use this same basic recipe to make whatever flavor you want.

So here's the scoop.

Ingredients:

2 cups raw almonds
3 teaspoons olive oil
3 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons lime zest, freshly grated

Preheat your oven to 250 degrees.

In a medium bowl, combine the almonds and olive oil until the almonds are coated.

Note: be sure to use raw almonds, not roasted or blanched.

Add all the rest of the ingredients except the lime zest. and stir until everything is well blended.

Spread the almonds out onto a shallow baking pan (or cookie sheet with sides). I like to line mine with parchment paper.



Roast the almonds in the oven for about 40 minutes, stirring once.

Meanwhile, make your lime zest.

I don't have a zester, so I use my grater. Grate the lime peel, both the green part and into the white part, until you have 2 teaspoons.








When your almonds are done roasting, sprinkle the lime zest on right away and stir. Once they're cool, store the almonds in a container.

I really like this cumin/lime blend, but I keep thinking about other yummy combinations, like cinnamon/sugar or garlic/Parmesan cheese.

What combinations do you think you might try?