DELICIOUS ALMONDS

SUBMITTED

The Almond orchards grow the nutritious almonds we eat,2 as well as hulls, shells, and trees. So when we say zero waste, we mean using everything we grow to make the world a better place.

Facts about Almonds: Originated in the Middle East. Almonds are a stone fruit, related to peaches, plums and cherries. California produces 80% of the world supply. Almonds contain no cholesterol. One ounce or a handful equals 160 calories.

Almonds and cholesterol - almonds contain no cholesterol, and in moderation may improve a person’s blood cholesterol status.

According to recent studies, “peanuts, walnuts, and almonds appear to be a protective factor for the development of breast cancer.”

Almonds, along with other nuts and seeds, may help improve lipid, or fat, levels in the blood, and the heart.

Almonds contain relatively high levels of vitamin E. Vitamin E contains antioxidants, such as tocopherol, about half a person’s daily requirement.

There is some evidence that almonds may help manage blood sugar levels, and manage weight..

Almonds contain calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, vitamin K, protein, and zinc, all of which contribute to bone health.

Almonds are a healthful food, with a range of essential nutrients that can be good source of protein for people.

They are also vesatile, and people can incorporate them into the diet in many ways.

NOTE: People with a nut allergy should not eat almonds or almond products.

Sweet Nut Snack

4 T. butter

2 cups almonds

1/2 cup sugar

1/8 cup vanilla extract

3 T. ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

In a large skillet melt butter over medium heat. When butter is bubbling add nuts. Stir 3 minutes coating nuts well. Sprinkle sugar and vanilla over nuts and stir. Remove from heat. Add cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir well. Remove from skillet and cool on plate. Store in airtight container.

Almond Joy Cookies

1 14 oz bag sweetened coconut flakes.

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

2/3 cup lightly salted almonds. If almonds are without salt, add a dash of salt to the mixture.

1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 325. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a large bowl combine all the ingredients. Stir until combined. Scoop out dough with a cookie scoop. Moistened the tips of your fingers with water and shape into discs. Pat the tops flat. Bake cookies for 12 to 14 minutes or until tips of coconut are just starting to turn golden brown. Let cook on sheet. Store cookies in airtight container.

Almond Toffee

2 cups unsalted butter

2 cups granulated sugar

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups mini semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped almonds

Fill a pot with butter, sugar and salt. Cook on medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture turns amber and registers 300. Pour the mixture onto a parchment lined baking pan. Sprinkle chocolate evenly over the top. Allow to sit until slightly melted; using a spatula to smooth the chocolate,

Top evenly with almonds, pressing gently. Refrigerate until set. Break into pieces and serve.

Don’t forget to use almonds in salads, casseroles and many desserts, but also for crusting chicken, fish, and pork.

Annunciation’s St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry provides food to those needing assistance in the area, including dairy, various proteins, fresh vegetables, fruit, and canned and boxed goods.

What good is the assistance if you don’t know what to cook with the groceries provided? Volunteers at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry want to provide recipes to help people use their groceries.

People in need of assistance – either with food or to check on bill assistance available - call at 812-531-3637 or stop by the next food pantry event held each Tuesday.

Tax-deductible donations can be sent to Annunciation Church, 19 North Alabama Street, Brazil, 47834.