When it comes to food there is one thing that my life has revolved around this past year, SNACKS! During pregnancy and even more so in this (almost) first year since Baby G has been born snacks have kept me going. I don’t always have time to sit down for meals and breastfeeding always has me hungry so I always have snacks, and coffee, in hand. One of my top 10 being Cacao & Sea Salt Almonds! Maybe not these Cacao & Sea Salt Almonds but I was inspired to make my own and trust me these aren’t just some cacao dusted almonds.
Slightly sweet and salty with a hint of cacao these almonds are so delicious and simply satisfying!
I recently found out it’s the Year Of Cacao and I decided to recreate one of my favorite store bought snacks, Hu Chocolate Covered Hunks Almonds + Sea Salt, at home for Navitas Organics #YearOfCacaoRecipeContest and decided to also share the recipe here for all of you.
When I said these weren’t just cacao dusted almonds I meant it and they aren’t some glazed over chocolate almonds either. From that first time I tore that bag that inspired this open I knew they were different and when I turned them around I knew why, CACAO BUTTER and COCONUT PALM SUGAR! Both of these ingredients I had in my kitchen and use regularly. Oh and of course CACAO POWDER which is a staple.
From there it was just a matter of getting them down and making them “pretty” well I mean as pretty as cacao almonds can be. So quick and easy to make but the key was grinding the coconut palm sugar fine, with the cacao powder, so they were smooth and not bumpy with crunchy course sugar and salt. Small batches also work a little better, or you can make a full batch using 2 rimmed baking sheet to make a big batch (8 servings) at once so you’re set for the week. Well if you don’t share that is and have a little self control.
Aside from being delicious these Cacao & Se Salt Almonds are a nutritious snack! You probably already know almonds are one of the healthiest nutrition dense snack choices.
Almonds are a healthy fat that have protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Health benefits include they help lower cholesterol, help keep blood sugar stable, and help reduce inflammation. They are also good for heart, brain, and metabolism health. Not to mention I’ve read almonds are good for lactation, just another bonus for my fellow breastfeeding mamas out there!
Cacao powder is one of the most powerful superfoods that’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Great for brain and cardiovascular health, they don’t call it good mood food for nothing. It also helps reduce stress and balance energy.
Reduces stress and helps balance energy hello cacao you’re a mama’s new best friend, well along with coffee.
When life is crazy good nutrition snacks are a must!
It’s Monday, hope you have yours snacks ready for the week. Looking for more than snacks there are more great recipes linked up below for Meatless Monday and as always Deborah and I hope you join us and look forward to what’s cooking in your kitchen.
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Passive Time | 10 minutes |
| Servings |
servings
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- 2 c raw unsalted almonds
- 1/4 c cacao butter (Navitas Organics)
- 1/4 c cacao powder, divided (Navitas Organics)
- 1/4 c coconut palm sugar (Navitas Organics)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Ingredients
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|
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place almonds in a single layer on a rimmed baking tray(s) and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, tossing half way through, or until the almonds are lightly fragrant and toasty.
- Place cacao butter in a glass bowl on top of the stove while the almonds are roasting to help melt.
- While the almonds are roasting grind 3 tablespoons cacao powder, coconut palm sugar, ands salt together in a small food processor or blender to a fine ground texture.
- When the almonds are done remove them from the oven and add them to the bowl with the cacao butter and stir with a wooden spoon until the cacao butter is melted and the almonds are coated.
- Line the baking sheet used for the almonds with parchment paper and set aside.
- Add cacao and coconut sugar mixture to the almonds and stir to coat.
- Spread almonds out in an even layer on the parchment paper lined baking sheet and place in the refrigerator, freezer, or cool place to set. About 10-15 minutes.
- Toss almonds with remaining 1 table spoon of cacao powder, a little more if needed, in a plastic bag.
- You can put in a strainer to tap off and remove excess cacao powder.
- Store in a reusable bag, glass jar, or air tight container.
- Enjoy!
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Deborah Brooks
Wow these are so easy to make! I love to snack on almonds thanks for sharing and have a great week
Kate – Gluten Free Alchemist
These sound so good. I have often thought about making some myself, but never seem to have got round to it. This may be just the recipe I need!! #MeatlessMonday