Get ready to go nuts for the holidays! Actress, model, and author Molly Sims is preparing for the holiday season with one of her favorite snacks: almonds. Find out how to make some of Sims’ favorite holiday and on-the-go recipes with the nutty ingredient.
DIY Seasoned Almonds in a Mason Jar
“The holiday season is here, and that means tons of family and friend gatherings. Try something DIY, homemade, and from the heart. I love these almonds in a Mason jar for a delicious yet healthy gift, which you can make in a large batch. You can also keep these on hand in your kitchen to munch on while you are cooking.”
Ingredients:
1 egg white (or 2 tbsp liquid egg whites), beaten until frothy
1 lb almonds
1 oz of your favorite dry seasonings, such as cinnamon and sugar, paprika and rosemary, garlic and salt, or the leftover BBQ rub from the grilling season
Mason jars or other containers
Ribbons, bows, gift cards, or other decorations
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray with cooking oil. In a bowl, whisk together egg white and spices. Add the almonds and stir to coat completely.
3. Spread almonds in a single layer on cookie sheet and roast for 10 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and stir almonds to keep them from sticking. Return to oven and roast another 10 minutes.
5. Move cookie sheet to a cooling rack and stir again; allow almonds to cool completely.
6. Fill your containers and decorate them as desired. It’s the perfect gift in a pinch!
No-Bake Almond Granola Bars
“These delicious and healthy granola bars make for a great snack on-the-go. Made with wholesome ingredients like roasted almonds and rolled oats, they keep you full and satisfied wherever you are.”
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup seedless raisins or dried cranberries
1 cup roasted almonds
1/4 cup honey or agave nectar
1/4 cup creamy almond butter
1/4 tsp salt
Handfuls of chocolate chips, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, or other dried fruit (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sprinkle rolled oats on a baking sheet and place in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Process seedless raisins or dried cranberries in a food processor until they’re dough-like in consistency.
3. Warm honey or agave nectar and almond butter in a saucepan over low heat for about 5 minutes. Then add processed raisins or dried cranberries, baked oats, almonds, salt and any extra ingredients (chocolate chips, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, or dried fruit, if desired) to the saucepan and stir.
4. Once combined, transfer mixture to an 8” x 8” pan lined with parchment paper. Flatten out using another layer of parchment paper on top as an aid.
5. Place in freezer for 15 minutes to one hour to harden. Once hard, cut into squares. Place extra granola bars in an airtight container to store for freshness. Serves 10.
Almond & Cacao Smoothie
“I love whipping up this smoothie in the morning and keeping on hand before a workout. The almonds keep me energized and the cacao/cocoa powder fulfill a chocolate craving. Yum!”
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana
1/4 cup whole natural almonds
2 tbsp cacao or cocoa powder
3 tbsp agave nectar
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
Roasted almonds, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. Place all ingredients into blender and puree until smooth and creamy.
2. Sprinkle almonds on top, if desired. Serves 1.
