Sweet and Spicy Roasted Marcona Almonds.

Boy it’s been a long week.  The weather has been brutally cold. My girls actually had a delay today due to subzero temps.  My daughter celebrated her sweet 16 yesterday and she got her driving permit first thing this morning (thanks for the school delay). Exciting and a nervous time for everyone involved.  She got a 100%!  Reflecting a lot this week and trying to get my mind around where the past 16 years have gone and praying for the future.

Today I came home after school drop-off and I’m trying to plan out my long run this weekend.  One day it’s going to be snowy and colder and one day is warmer but rainy.  Ha.  I’m leaning towards Sunday.  In my plotting, I wanted to make a good snack that I can grab on my rest day that is full of protein, flavor and will give me some much needed carb-loading action.  These came out great!  Seriously addictive.  I had to walk away from them or I would eat them all.  I hope you give these a try.  Perfect alone, for a gift, atop oatmeal, salads or your favorite banana ice cream sundae.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons of maple syrup
1.25 cups of Marcona almonds or whatever nut you prefer
Sea salt or Pink Himalayan sea salt

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line with a Silpat or parchment paper.  Set that aside.  In a bowl add the paprika, cinnamon and cayenne and whisk to combine.  Then add your maple syrup and whisk well. Add your nuts and toss to coat.  Spill your coated nuts out onto your prepared pan and spread out evenly.  Sprinkle with your sea salt and pace in the oven for 6 minutes.  Toss and add back to the oven for an additional 8-10 minutes. Depending on the nut, and the amount of oil in said nut, keep a watchful eye so they don’t burn.  Once aromatic and toasted – remove and let cool completely.  Break up the nuts with your hands as they will stick together.  Then serve or store in an airtight container.  Great as a snack or atop of salad greens or oatmeal etc.

I want to mention that I’ve paired up with Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon to give away one bib for either the half or full marathon on April 26th. The giveaway is on February 21st. To enter, either leave a comment on this post or any post regarding this giveaway on my Instagram feed noting if you would want to do the half or full marathon. The giveaway is only for the bib ONLY and does not include transportation, accommodations or food etc.

Peak training week thus far has gone as planned.  I have one long remaining that I need to squeeze in between rain and snowstorms this weekend.  Stay tuned.

Here is a recap:

Sunday: rest
Monday: 5 treadmill
Tuesday: 12 treadmill
Wednesday: 5 treadmill/abs
Thursday: 5 treadmill
Friday: rest day

I wanted to share some pics from my daughter’s special birthday.

Super sunny yet blustery day.  Permit in hand – no stopping her now!

Stay warm my friends.  ~oxo

 

— Knead to Cook