Almond Crunch Keeps You Active and Energized

Whether you’re playing baseball all day or busy at summer camp, feeling hungry can make it hard to be at your best. Healthy snacks; however, can keep you fueled and focused. Having nutritious snacks on hand is a smart way to go, but it’s challenging to find a snack that tastes great and that you can take anywhere. Give this Almond Crunch a try to keep you energized and on the go!

Ingredients
1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
2 1/2 cups rolled oats (either old-fashioned or quick cooking)
1 cup flaked coconut
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup almond or vegetable oil

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350F. Combine toasted almonds with oats, coconut and cinnamon. Whisk honey with oil and drizzle over almondoat mixture, tossing to mix well. Bake 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven, loosen with spatula and cool.

*To toast almonds: Spread almonds in a single layer in a shallow pan. Place in a cold oven; toast at 350 F, 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted. Cool on counter.

*For a spicy twist, combine 2 tsp. chili powder, 1 tsp. curry powder, 1 tsp. garlic powder and 1 Tbs. olive or almond oil in a skillet until bubbly. Then add 2 cups toasted whole, natural almonds, 1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce, or to taste and1 tsp. ground red pepper and mix until almonds are covered. Allow to cool, and you have Fire Cracker Almonds.

The spicy bites are to take to a Fourth of July party or as an energy-boosting snack when you visit your local parks and rec. for National Parks and Recreation Month.

Recipe Courtesy of Family Features.

Pick of The Month: Almonds

Almonds have the highest levels of protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin and niacin among all tree nuts. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) works with other B vitamins to aid in growth and red blood cell production. And most importantly, it helps give you energy from the food you eat.

Delicious and Nutritious