These almonds have a spicy smoky flavor all done with the perfect concoction of spices.  Grab a handful for the perfect snack, or make them for your next get together and watch them disappear!

This post has been sponsored by California Almonds, but all opinions here are my own.  Thank you for supporting the companies and products that make An Affair from the Heart possible. 

In February, we celebrate not only “Almond Day” (2/16),  but also National Snacking Month and American Heart Month!

Healthy Heart Snacking with Almonds for the win!

Snacking on nuts is not only a simple and quick fix for when hunger strikes, it’s beneficial to your body, too!

Snacking that’s encouraged! YES! Tell me more!

You can get a lot of nutrition from one ounce of almonds!  They are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin E and magnesium and provide 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.  Almonds are an excellent source of calcium, potassium, phosphorus and iron, too.

Almonds are naturally gluten free, and cholesterol free.  They are full of that “good” unsaturated fat.

Recent research shows that crunching on 1.5 ounces of almonds daily curbs hunger without increasing calorie intake or body weight.

Let’s get to snacking with this recipe for Spicy Smoked Almonds! I wasn’t sure what to name them, and calling them “smoked” gives the notion that they are made in a smoker, but the smoke of these almonds comes from a concoction of spices.

Using a Spanish style smoked paprika and white pepper gives the smokey flavor, while the spice comes from chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin and Tobasco sauce.

Make an egg wash by whisking together a little water and egg white.

Add in spices, whisk to combine.

Mix in 1 pound of  almonds until coated.

Spread into an even layer on a cookie sheet and bake to dry.

The outcome?  These smoky spicy coated almonds, just begging to be snacked on.

Yield: 1 pound

Spicy Smoked Almonds

Print

These almonds have a spicy smoky flavor all done with the perfect concoction of spices. Grab a handful for the perfect snack, make them for your next get together and watch them disappear!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound almonds
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 Tablespoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Spanish style smoked paprika
• 1/2 Tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin seed
• 1 egg white
• 1 Tablespoon water
• 3 dashes Tobasco sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with a Silpat mat or parchment paper.

Combine dry ingredients (minus almonds) in a bowl. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk together water and egg white. Add in Worcestershire sauce and tobasco, stir to combine. Add in dry mixture and stir to incorporate.

Add in almonds. Stir to make sure they are evenly coated.

Spread onto prepared cookie sheet in an even layer.

Bake for 20 minutes. Turn almonds over. Reduce heat to 275 degrees and bake for 45 minutes more.

Cool completely and transfer to an airtight container.

Here’s a fun idea for another February celebration!  Make up some cute tags, put the these tasty almonds in little bags and share them with someone who spices up YOUR life!

Keeping the healthy in “Heart Day” — #CelebrateAlmonds

Click here to learn more about Almond Month, and get lots of recipes and nutrition tips!

If you make this recipe, I’d love to know! Snap a picture, share the photo on social media with the hashtag #AnAffairFromTheHeart – I’d love to see what you made! – Michaela

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