If you’re looking for a snack that’s both delicious and nutritious, then you’ve hit the jackpot with this almonds with dried cranberries recipe! This delightful combo is not only quick to whip up but also perfect for any occasion—whether you need a little pick-me-up during the day or a topping for your favorite salad. It’s so versatile! Just imagine that satisfying crunch of roasted almonds paired with the sweet tartness of dried cranberries. Trust me, it’s a match made in snack heaven! And the best part? You can have this ready in just about 22 minutes. Let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe!
Ingredients List
For this almonds with dried cranberries recipe, you’ll need the following fresh ingredients:
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons honey, preferably local for added flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt to enhance the sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a warm, aromatic touch
Make sure your almonds are raw for maximum crunch and health benefits, and choose high-quality dried cranberries that aren’t overly sweetened. These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a tasty snack or topping that you’ll love!
How to Prepare the almonds with dried cranberries recipe
Getting ready to whip up this almonds with dried cranberries recipe is super simple! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because it ensures that the almonds roast evenly and develop that wonderful, nutty flavor we all love. Once the oven is heated, spread the raw almonds out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent them from burning. Keep a close eye on them—nothing ruins a good snack like burnt almonds!
Preheating and Roasting
Preheating the oven to 350°F is key to enhancing the flavor of your almonds. The roasting process not only gives them a lovely golden color but also brings out their natural oils and makes them super crunchy. Remember to stir the almonds halfway through roasting to ensure they toast evenly. Trust me, you’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen—it’s pure magic!
Mixing Ingredients
Once your almonds are roasted and cooled, it’s time to mix everything together! In a large bowl, combine the cooled almonds with the dried cranberries, honey, sea salt, and cinnamon. Make sure to mix well, so every almond and cranberry is coated with that sweet, sticky goodness. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together; this helps avoid crushing the almonds while ensuring an even distribution of flavors. You’ll want to dig in as soon as it’s ready, but let it sit for a moment to allow those flavors to meld beautifully!
Nutritional Information
For those watching their nutrition, here’s a breakdown of the typical values for this almonds with dried cranberries recipe. Based on a serving size of 1/4 cup, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. But overall, it’s a guilt-free, nutritious snack that packs a punch of flavor and energy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 22 minutes!
- Perfectly healthy, offering a delightful balance of protein and fiber.
- Versatile snack that can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping.
- Easy to customize with different nuts or dried fruits.
- Natural sweetness from honey and cranberries makes it a guilt-free treat.
- Great for meal prep; store it for convenient snacking throughout the week.
Tips for Success
To really nail this almonds with dried cranberries recipe, here are some expert tips to keep in mind! First, watch the almonds closely while roasting; they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a flash! If you prefer a deeper flavor, try letting them cool completely before mixing in the honey, as it will help create a delightful texture. Also, don’t skip the sea salt—it enhances the sweetness and brings out the flavors beautifully. If you want extra crunch, consider adding a handful of your favorite seeds for a delightful twist. Trust me, these little adjustments will elevate your snack game!
Variations of the almonds with dried cranberries recipe
One of the best things about this almonds with dried cranberries recipe is how easily it adapts to your taste preferences! Feel free to swap out almonds for other nuts like walnuts or pecans—both add a lovely richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in hazelnuts for a delightful crunch! As for fruits, dried cherries or apricots can offer a unique twist on sweetness that pairs beautifully with the honey. You can even throw in a sprinkle of cocoa powder or some coconut flakes for an exotic flair. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your almonds with dried cranberries fresh, store the mixture in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay delicious for up to two weeks, making it perfect for snacking anytime! If you prefer a warm treat, you can gently reheat the mixture in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to warm it up without making it sticky. But honestly, it’s so tasty at room temperature that you might not even need to reheat it!
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy this almonds with dried cranberries recipe in so many delightful ways! For a quick and satisfying snack, just grab a handful and munch away. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, sprinkle it over your favorite salad for a burst of flavor and crunch—trust me, it transforms a simple salad into something special! You can also use this mix as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, adding a sweet and nutty twist. The versatility is endless, so get creative and enjoy every bite!
For more information on the health benefits of almonds, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the nutritional value of dried cranberries, visit this NCBI study.
Print
Almonds with Dried Cranberries Recipe: 22-Minute Delight
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious blend of almonds and dried cranberries, perfect for snacking or as a topping.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the almonds on a baking sheet.
- Roast the almonds for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Remove the almonds from the oven and let them cool.
- In a bowl, combine the cooled almonds, dried cranberries, honey, sea salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix well until all ingredients are coated.
- Serve as a snack or garnish on salads and desserts.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider toasting the cranberries briefly.
- This mixture can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- You can substitute other nuts or dried fruits as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Roasting and mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: almonds, dried cranberries, recipe, snack, healthy
