Roasted Almonds with Cocoa and Cinnamon

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Rich in minerals, protein, and good fats, almonds should be part of everyone’s diet, at least from time to time. They have a delicate taste and a good texture for nibbling, which is why I never miss the house.

Initially, I used to eat them raw (I still do it whenever I come across the bag of almonds), but more recently, I put them in the oven with different spices, obtaining a healthy, crunchy, delicious snack.

Give up buying all kinds of fried or baked nuts from stores packed with added sugar or a lot of salt. For a healthy and delicious snack, which you can take in your lunch package, you can get some raw almonds and prepare yourself in the oven. Ripe almonds intensify their flavor and are much tastier than raw ones. Here’s how easy you can make them.

Nutrients in this recipe

Almonds – the nutrients in almonds play an essential role in maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system. For example, magnesium content improves blood circulation, a necessary process, especially in people with hypertension. They contain a high level of monounsaturated fats, good for heart health, and vitamin E, an antioxidant that the body uses to fight inflammation in the arteries and beyond. Thus, there is a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Cocoa – due to its composition rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and Omega 6 fatty acids, cocoa is a delicious element, highly beneficial for health. It fights against fatigue, improves mood, and fights against premature aging of the body.

Cocoa flavonoids can slow the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine, improve insulin secretion, reduce inflammation, and stimulate blood sugar absorption. Cocoa also has positive effects on our mood and symptoms of depression by reducing stress levels. It also has some anti-diabetic effects.

Somewhat paradoxically, the intake of cocoa, even in the form of chocolate (45 g per day), helps control weight by regulating energy consumption, reducing appetite and inflammation, and increasing fat oxidation.

Ceylon Cinnamon – antioxidants protect the body from the oxidative effects of free radicals, and cinnamon is rich in powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols. In a study that compared the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon ranked first, surpassing even “superfoods” such as garlic and oregano.

However, this miracle spice is not only a fine golden-brown powder that spices our moments of relaxation. It is also the one that makes any snack an archive of dreams and memories. I don’t think I’m wrong in saying that cinnamon, like the smell of orange or the aroma of the coffee, goes beyond the pleasure of taste to a state, an emotion.

Roasted Nuts with Cocoa and Cinnamon 

Necessary equipment:

  • a baking sheet
  • baking paper
  • a medium bowl
  • a silicone spatula

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of raw and unsalted almonds
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons of Ceylon cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with baking paper.
  2. Place the almonds in a medium bowl.
  3. Add in the cocoa powder and cinnamon, and stir gently to coat the almonds.
  4. Spread out the coated almonds onto the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake for about 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, stir the nuts and continue baking for another 15 minutes.
  6. Remove almonds from the oven and let them cool down for at least 10 minutes.
  7. Enjoy! Now you have the perfect crunchy snack to enjoy while watching a good movie!

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