Sunday, January 23, 2011

Sweet & Spicy Roasted Almonds

Sweet & Spicy Almonds

We are starting to plan ahead for recipes to take to the beach for Spring Break this year so this was a perfect one to try from Giada's run on I Heart Cooking clubs "California Dreamin".

Both of these recipes were a snap to prepare.  The almonds come out spicy with just a touch of sweet.  Perfect football snack for now!  The Chili-Infused oil will have lots of uses.  You can use it as a dipping oil with your favorite crusty loaf or use it to spice up any stir-fry.

Chili-Infused Oil

Chili-Infused Oil, adapted from Giada De Laurentiis Everyday Italian
The Chef In My Head
Makes 1/2 Cup

1/2 C. olive oil
2 tsp. dried crushed red pepper flakes

In a small, heavy saucepan, heat the oil and crushed red pepper flakes over a low flame, stirring occasionally, until a thermometer registers 180 degrees F, about 5 minutes.  Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature, about 2 hours.  Transfer the oil and pepper flakes to a 40ounce bottle or other small container and seal the lid.  Refrigerate up to 1 month.

Sweet & Spicy Roasted Almonds

Sweet & Spicy Roasted Almonds, adapted from Giada De Laurentiis, Everyday Italian
The Chef In My Head
Makes 2 Cups

2 T Chili-Infused Oil (above)
1 T Sugar
1 tsp Grey Sea Salt
2 C Almonds

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl, stir the oil, sugar, and sea salt to blend.  Add the almonds, and toss to coat.  Arrange the almond mixture on a large, heavy baking sheet, spacing the almonds evenly.  Bake, stirring occasionally until golden brown, about 15 minutes.  Serve warm or at room temperature. 
The nuts can be made two days ahead, store airtight at room temperature(if they last that long).


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12 comments:

  1. Yum! I have some plain almonds in my pantry and I am going to give this a go. These sound like they would warm up your winter with the chili in the oil. What a fun recipe.

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  2. I like the sound of that chili oil and the almonds look addicting. A perfect snack. ;-)

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  3. Wonderful! And I love that decanter - very pretty!

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  4. hello to you too! what a great blog you've got here. the almonds sound amazing, i could spend all day munching on these babies, delicious!

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  5. ooh yum AND easy enough for me yay!! I'm going to make both of these.. hubby will love the chili! hmm.. I just have to find a drop dead glass bottle like yours Leslie!!!
    Namaste to you too my friend :)

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  6. Mmmm...chili oil! My family would love this. It looks so nice in the bottle. I love sweet spicy almonds. Have been thinking of making it but somehow have not ....hmmm. Must try someday. Thanks very much for sharing.

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  7. Great with the chili oil, this is going on my must try list. So glad to find your blog and I'll be looking around!

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  8. What a healthy and delicious snack! I'll have to try this soon!

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  9. Planning recipes for the beach sounds like lots of fun! These almonds sound (and look) addictive. I could sit and munch on these until they disappeared :)

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  10. Wow - those almonds look beautiful and I love the idea of the chilli oil. I could eat a whole bowl full of those right now.
    Sue :-)

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  11. I'm always looking for new ways to enjoy nuts. My husband really loves spicy food and I think he will go crazy over these! Thank you :)

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  12. I love roasted almonds and then throw in chile oil,this looks like a great food gift idea,the almonds and even a bottle of the oil.Will have to try this one really soon.

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I'm so glad you stopped by and I can't wait to read your comments. I will stop by your blog shortly!