[1] Almond chocolate chip cookies (photo © Baked | NYC).
[2] sliced (slivered) almonds (photo © Pear’s Snacks).
[3] Dark chocolate chips (photo © Bella Baker [now closed]).
[4] Olive oil cake with almonds and oranges. Here’s the recipe (photo © Discover California Wine).
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February 16th is National Almond Day. If you’ve been laying off the nuts because you think they’re not healthy, you need some facts:
Nuts are a good protein food. Yes, they have fats, but they’re largely unsaturated, heart-healthy fats.
In 2003, the FDA approved the following claim for seven different types of nuts—almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, some pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts:
“Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.”
Here’s more on the health benefits of nuts and the seven healthiest nuts.
Now, we’ll step away from health food to present a recipe for Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies.
> The history of almonds.
> The history of chocolate chip cookies.
> How about a glass of Amaretto, Italy’s famous almond liqueur?
RECIPE: ALMOND CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
Thanks to Taste Of Home for the recipe.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 cup sliced almonds
Preparation
1. CREAM the butter and sugars in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
2. COMBINE the flour, salt, and baking soda in another bowl. Gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and almonds.
3. ROLL into 1-inch balls. Place them 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are firm. Remove to wire racks to cool.
MORE ALMOND RECIPES
Almond Biscotti From Mario Batali
Almond Butter Cookies
Almond Hummus
Cherry Almond Rugelach
Chinese Almond Cookies
Chocolate Almond Beet Torte
Chocolate Covered Nuts & Nut Clusters
Chocolate Sea Salt Almonds
Horchata
Mulled Wine With Almonds
No-Bake Raspberry-White Chocolate Cheesecake With Almond Flour Crust (Gluten Free)
Toasted Almond & Orange Olive Oil Cake
Trail Mix
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