Once upon a time, I was in an airport. I was hungry in said airport (why? because I'm ALWAYS hungry, that's why). So, I stopped in a charming little Hudson News boutique planning to buy a Luna bar.
"Planning to" are the operative words here because when I approached the checkout counter the clerk informed me that the bar was $3.95. Yes, four dollars for a granola bar. Honestly, does anyone like Luna bars that much?
So, I did. Awhile back, Sahale Snacks sent me a stash of their new seasoned nuts and I was pretty addicted to their Tuscan amonds. They taste like pizza. I'm not kidding. If you think that sound gross, then you're probably correct. But they're addicting. Addicting, but not addicting enough to buy them every time I'm at the grocery store.
I did what any rational food writer would do and I made my own. They weren't quite as good as Sahale's; they didn't taste quite like 'za, but they had a unique parmesan flavor that paired surprisingly well with almonds.
Parmesan Almonds
Serves 8
What You Need:
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 egg whites
2 cups whole almonds
How-To:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Beat the egg white in a medium bowl with a wire wisk until peaks begin to form. Toss almonds in egg whites.
In another medium bowl, combine cheese, garlic powder, paprika and oregano. Toss almonds with spices until evenly coated. Spread into one layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, tossing every five minutes so the nuts roast evenly.
Let cool before serving.
Wow--looks absolutely delicious. I like the concept of Sahale's products but think they taste kind of funny.
Posted by: Eliz@The Sweet Life | January 25, 2011 at 05:13 PM
That looks like a perfect recipe for a party or just a handy snack to have around!
Posted by: ashley@quasichick | January 25, 2011 at 05:23 PM
This takes one of my favourite snacks to a whole new level!!
Posted by: bellini | January 25, 2011 at 05:32 PM
Don't even get me started on airport food. SUCH a rip-off!
I love your mentality...if it's too expensive, make it yourself! These sound delicious!
Posted by: Joanne | January 25, 2011 at 08:15 PM
I'm totally darn curious about the parmesan-almond combo now. I love Sahale snacks - especially the sing buri cashews - now you've got me wondering how I can recreate them myself!
Posted by: Cara | January 25, 2011 at 10:26 PM
This looks delicious and so easy too!
Posted by: Amanda | January 25, 2011 at 10:51 PM
When I saw this picture a oooh escaped from my mouth. These look incredibly delicious.
Posted by: daryl | January 26, 2011 at 05:04 AM
I can't wait to try this one!!!
Posted by: Marilyn | January 26, 2011 at 08:23 AM
Yum! Airport food is sooo expensive! I usually try to bring something from home because I hate paying those prices!
Posted by: Mackenzie@The Caramel Cookie | January 26, 2011 at 08:37 AM
These look so good! And airports are such a rip off, I'd rather starve than pay 4 bucks for a granola bar!
Posted by: Caroline | January 26, 2011 at 08:56 AM
Now these sound great!
Posted by: Steve | January 26, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Umm...pizza nuts sound AWESOME, what are you talking about? And these look pretty tasty too...sigh.
Posted by: Rachel W. | January 26, 2011 at 12:16 PM
Garlic, oregano, and parmesan? I'm all in!
Posted by: Kate | January 26, 2011 at 01:07 PM
An interesting combination
Posted by: kat | January 26, 2011 at 01:20 PM
These look delightful. I'd love to nibble on these over a couple of drinks with the girls, wouldn't you?
Much better than a $4 granola bar. This fall I nearly bought a $9 bottle of water but I was fortunate to run into a very kind clerk at the news stand. Seriously, water?
Posted by: Joy | January 29, 2011 at 05:43 AM
I have never had anything like this before, but these almonds sound absolutely delicious! I might be giving these a try sometime soon!
Posted by: E.P. | January 30, 2011 at 04:38 PM