Recipes, Photography, Musings

Maple Herb Roasted Almonds

This recipe takes almonds to a whole new level, with all the sweet, salty, and spicy flavors blending beautifully.  The almonds are lightly roasted in a mixture of maple syrup and melted butter with a pinch of cayenne pepper, then mixed with fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme.  If you are looking for an inspiring appetizer or an appealing and healthy snack, these maple herb roasted almonds are the answer.  The herbs blend so wonderfully with the maple taste, and the pinch of cayenne adds the perfect amount of heat.

I adapted the recipe from a cookbook called Host by Eric Prum and Josh Williams.  I enjoy this book, because it’s divided into sections according to the seasons, and it has lots of ideas for hosting get-togethers with friends and family.  As our kids’ sports schedules are about to slow down soon (at least for a little while), I hope to have the time to have people over more.  And with the holidays approaching, there are always opportunities to take food to gatherings, so these maple herb roasted almonds will be a great addition to any table.

almonds with spoonIt’s a rainy, chilly day outside, yet the fall color is still vibrant and stunning.  With lots of end-of-the-season sporting events this weekend, we will be out savoring the color, despite the cold and grey weather.  There has definitely been a shift in the vibe of the season lately, with the evenings getting darker sooner and the temperature dropping.  It’s time to get out the candles and sweaters, hats and gloves, and all those cozy fall things!  It feels like the less comfortable the weather gets, the more we crave the companionship of friends and family, and the more we appreciate gathering together in a cozy environment.  Kind of like that Danish concept of ‘hygge’.  Though it has become very trendy, I don’t mind jumping on that bandwagon.  I really like the graciousness, coziness, and simple pleasures that the concept of hygge encompasses.

maple herb roasted almondsSo I imagine this evening my husband, our kids, our dog, and I will be gathered in the living room in warm sweaters or wrapped in blankets, with little bowls of these maple herb roasted almonds on the coffee table for snacking.  I’m not sure if it will happen that way, but it’s a lovely thought! And in any case, these almonds are so delicious, I can’t get enough of them, and they really need to be shared.  I’m going to share this wonderful recipe over at Angie’s virtual potluck, Fiesta Friday, co-hosted this week by Monika @ Everyday Healthy Recipes and Sandhya @ Indfused.  I hope you all have a great weekend, and stay warm!mixed herbsalmonds with spoon

Maple Herb Roasted Almonds

  • Servings: about 4
  • Print

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of almonds (or any kind and combination of nuts you prefer)
  • 3 tablespoons of butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup of maple syrup
  • a pinch of cayenne pepper
  • sea salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon of fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, finely chopped

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and maple syrup.  Add the pinch of cayenne pepper.  Stir to combine.  Add the almonds to the bowl and toss to coat.  Spread the nuts in a single layer onto the baking sheet.  Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes.  Remove the nuts from the oven and season with  a little bit of salt and pepper, to taste.  Sprinkle the fresh herbs over the nuts and stir gently to combine.  Let the nuts cool for at least one hour.  Enjoy!

This recipe is adapted from the cookbook Host by Eric Prum and Josh Williams.

 

10 Comments

  1. Marina

    Perfect for this weather!!

    • Jenny

      Yes, thank you, Marina! I’m glad the rest of the family will be helping me eat them soon, because I like them too much! 🙂

  2. Karen

    Your almonds sound terrific with the fresh herbs sprinkled on top.

    • Jenny

      Thanks, Karen! The herbs do make them extra tasty!

  3. Monika

    These look super yummy and fragrant, the idea of combining maple syrup with herbs is genius! Thank you for sharing with FF:)

    • Jenny

      Thank you, Monika, the herbs really give them a great flavor. Thanks for co-hosting FF this week!

  4. CakePants

    Sweaters, blankets, and roasted almond really does sound like such a cozy way to spend an evening! I was so surprised by how quickly the weather turned chilly, but I suppose it’s a bit overdue perhaps. I love snacking on roasted nuts, but I’ve never tried an herb version. These look wonderful!

    • Jenny

      Thank you, Mara! I cannot believe I am seeing snow flurries this morning! 🙂

  5. Becky bixby

    Jenny- We made these almonds last weekend before our herbs froze. Really yummy! On the docket for holiday gifts!

    • Jenny

      Thanks, Becky! So glad to hear you enjoyed the almonds and so good to hear from you! I miss you! Hope all is well with you and your family! 🙂

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