Almonds already have a good reputation as a healthy protein-packed snack that can be eaten alone or in trail mix. They show up in our salads for a nice crunch, and they can be crushed to crust a filet of fish or chicken. We sprinkle sliced almonds on cakes, and we offer candied almonds to our holiday guests.
If you’re looking for even more ways to use this versatile nut, here are four recipes.
Almond Butter
Almond butter can be used in all the ways you use peanut butter.
Peanut butter is an American classic, but not everyone does or can enjoy it. If you have a peanut allergy that doesn’t extend to other nuts, almond butter offers an alternative with a lighter flavor that can be spread on toast, used as a dip for apple slices or give a protein boost to your morning oatmeal.
Try this recipe for Basic Almond Butter from Cooking Light.
Almond Cakes
Delicious cake with apple and whipped cream filling, topped with caramel and almond
This Almond-Apricot Food Processor Cake from Epicurious uses almond flour which can be made by grinding almonds in your food processor. Almond flour is used as a wheat flour substitute in many gluten-free recipes and adds a distinctive layer of flavor to cakes.
Almond Smoothie
A banana almond smoothie is a great way to start the day.
Almonds can add protein and flavor to your smoothie. You can just add a small handful of almonds to the blender. Some blenders may not be equipped to get the almonds to a smooth consistency. If that’s the case for you, pick up a jar of almond butter and add a tablespoon or two.
This Banana Almond Smoothie from Bon Appetit is a good place to start.