Caramelized Slivered Almonds

Man, it was HOT outside today! It's days like these that make me want to just have a salad for dinner. Of course my salads change as often as my attention span. ;) Sometimes it's a hearty salad with chicken, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, (nitrate-free) bacon and my gluten free ranch dressing. Other times, it's on the sweeter side with freshly sliced pears, blue cheese crumbles, caramelized nuts and my sweet raspberry vinaigrette dressing. 

This next recipe is a sweet way to eat your nuts. If you haven't tried making caramelized almonds yourself, you should really try it! It's ridiculously easy and quick. Plus you'll save money (not to mention end up with a healthier version!) It only takes 2 ingredients. Seriously, you're running out of excuses. Go try it! ;) 

I not only put these on my salads but in my trail mixes as well. Audrey loves to just snack on them by themselves! Whatever way you eat it, you're sure to love them. 

Caramelized Slivered Almonds

(Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
Adapted by jalene

Makes 1/2 cup
Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 2 Tbsp sugar or evaporated cane juice sugar

Directions: 

1. Tear off a large piece of wax paper. Set aside on a flat surface. 
2. In a saucepan over medium heat sprinkle in your sugar. Watch it carefully and when it starts to liquify, begin stirring it constantly until all the sugar is melted completely. 
3. Add the nuts and stir constantly until your nuts have reached your desired shade of brown. 
4. Plop the nuts onto your wax paper (spreading them out as you go). Let them cool for about 5 minutes or until the are not longer hot & sticky. Store in an airtight container. 

Note from jalene: Don't want to use sugar? Try 2 Tbsp of honey instead! It creates a slightly different taste and a stickier end result but they're just as great. Simply combine the honey and nuts all together in the pan and stir constantly until your desired shade of brown is reached. 

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Craving a tasty salad? 
Try some of these healthy recipes: 

Rainbow Salad

Healthy Hawaiian Haystacks

Almost like Cafe Rio Salad