Cocoa Sesame Almonds: From www.jennifermackenzie.net by Jennifer MacKenzie

HomeClinics & ProgramsELLICSR KitchenCocoa Sesame Almonds: From www.jennifermackenzie.net by Jennifer MacKenzie

Skill Level	Easy

Preparation Time	10 minutes	Total Time	20 minutes
Servings	12	Cost Per Serving	$0.88

2 cups	Whole Raw Almonds
¼ cup	Raw Cacao Nibs
¼ cup	Sesame Seeds
3 tbsp	Coconut Sugar or Pure Cane Sugar
1 tbsp	Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
3 tbsp	Water
1 tbsp	Melted Coconut Oil
2 tbsp	Honey
1 tsp	Vanilla Extract
½ tsp	Sea Salt

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spread almonds baking sheet. Toast almonds in preheated oven for 10 minutes or until golden and fragrant. Immediately transfer to a heatproof bowl. (Leave oven on; reserve baking sheet.)
In a mini chopper, spice grinder or a small food processor, pulse cacao nibs until they’re about the size of sesame seeds. Transfer to a large, heatproof bowl and stir in sesame seeds, sugar and salt.
In a medium saucepan, combine cocoa and water; stir in honey and coconut oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often. Add nuts and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Add nuts to sesame seed mixture and toss to evenly coat.
Spread on reserved baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until sesame seeds are toasted. Let cool completely on baking sheet. Store in a glass jar for up to 1 month.

PDF link to nutrition facts table for Cocoa Sesame Almonds recipe

Do you have a sweet tooth? Choose healthier desserts more often and save less healthy options for special occasions. Make your own desserts so that you can control the type and amount of sugar and fat that is added. Nuts and seeds contain heart-healthy fats, fibre, protein, antioxidants and many minerals and vitamins. The healthiest options are raw or dry roasted without added salt or sugar. One serving, based on Canada’s Food Guide, is ¼ cup.
Cocoa, a key ingredient in many desserts, may surprise you with its potential health benefits! Cacao nibs and unsweetened cocoa powder contain flavonoids, antioxidants that may help prevent heart disease and stroke. Using cacao nibs and cocoa powder in desserts instead of chocolate, helps to reduce the overall calories and fat in a recipe.