Monday Munchies: Almonds! Almonds! Almonds!

So one of my favorite things to eat is almonds. They carry their own sweetness and to me they taste good with EVERYTHING! lol But when you're wanting to try new flavors, it's fun to roast them, but keep the same amount of calories, this is a basic recipe and all of the different ways I change up the recipe to try to keep things new and fresh and tasty. If you add a piece of fruit, almonds and fruit make a great post workout snack! Enjoy one of my favorite ways to change up the amazing Almond!

• 3 cups raw almonds

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (leave out for cinnamon variation)

• 1 Tbsp olive or avocado oil

• 1 tsp fine grain sea salt divided

This is where you can get creative! 1/2 tsp of spice of choice, chipotle chili powder is a favorite 1/4 if you prefer less spice; cinnamon is yum; garlic powder; 5 chinese spice (when i do these I add a little more than 1/2 teaspoon, and I add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper)...but honestly whatever spice you want to try! Go crazy! And send me your variations!

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper

• In a large bowl, toss the raw almonds with the oil, spices, and half of the salt. Spread out the almonds in a single layer on the parchment lined baking sheet.

• Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring twice throughout to allow the almonds to evenly brown.

• After removing from oven, sprinkle with the remaining salt (or enough to suit your taste), allow to cool on the baking sheet, then serve! Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Enjoy!

• I would definitely stop time at 25 minutes to start, it's easy to burn almonds, so never stop at 30 minutes to begin with, I rarely have to do 30 min.