Chili Lime Almonds

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole raw almonds
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp dried cilantro (or 1 Tbsp fresh, chopped)

Preparations:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat, add almonds and oil. Sprinkle with chili powder and salt. Stir over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until fragrant and toasted.
2. Remove the pan from heat, add lime juice and cilantro and stir. Transfer nuts to a plate or baking pan to cool. Store in airtight container.

Renaissance Fair Almonds

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 3 cups raw almonds (or a 16 oz bag)
• 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup water

Preparations:

1. In a large skillet combine the sugar, cinnamon and water. Heat until all the sugar is dissolved. The easiest way to tell is when it stops changing color when you stir up the bottom.
2. Add the almonds and stir constantly with a spoon over medium heat, coating the almonds with the syrupy mixture. Keep stirring until the sugar crystallizes and no water remains.  Once the sugar starts to crystallize, all the water will boil off very quickly.
3. Remove the pan from heat and scoop the almonds onto wax or parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Let the cinnamon almonds cool in the fridge before serving. These can be made a few days ahead.