Back when I had a 'real' job, my favourite day of the week wasn't Friday like most people (although only just), it was Wednesday for on Wednesdays the area under my building was transformed as tents went up, trailers rolled in and people set up their wares.
On Wednesdays from 10 am you will walk past sizzling sausages, the sweet smell of strawberries in summer and the unmistakable aroma of fresh bread while listening to the stallholders promote their produce. I would leave my desk around 11am or after 1.30pm to miss the crowds and make a bee-line for my favourite stall.
Is it bad that on approach, the smiling lady behind the table would grab and giant, rich spelt brownie and slide it into a paper bag ready for me? After purchasing my brownie I'd make my way to the ciabatta man and buy a slipper of bread then grab a wedge of rich cheddar or gruyere cheese. Back in the office I lunched on the simplest but most indulgent feast of toasted cheese ciabatta with brownie for dessert.
One day, after buying my lunch supplies, I was on a quest for something to put in my breakfast smoothies that would provide a bit of protein and thicken it out. According to the man at the health-food stall 'chia seeds would be perfect.' I'd never heard of them but he assured me they were high in protein and really good for you so I obediently purchased a bag. I used up the bag and they were good but I didn't re-purchase.
It wasn't until a couple of months ago that they made a re-appearance in my life. Everywhere I look, people are praising the versatile little health bombs that can even be used to replace eggs in recipes.
I've started putting a spoon full in my morning smoothies again but one of my favourite ways to enjoy them is roasted in almond and chia clusters. A little honey gives sweetness while the cinnamon adds warmth. Soaking the almonds in water overnight makes them plump and so crunchy you have to be careful to use your back teeth to chew.
One little surprise I discovered making these was that the little clumps of roasted chia seeds taste just like those sesame snaps you can buy at the supermarket but I'm sure this version is a lot better for you. I found these totally irresistible I ate them while I was photographing them, while I was editing the photos and I'm just about to grab a hand ful for morning tea. They're the perfect on-the-go snack or something to reach for to keep hunger at bay.
If you still need convincing, here are just a few of the benefits of chia seeds from the Chia Co. I'm no scientist, so they may be toned down a little when you roast the seeds but I'm sure they're still there:
You could use any nuts you like instead of almonds but they are one of my favourites. Just pick a nut, grab some chia seeds and roast it up. You won't regret it. Enjoy!
What about you? Do you eat chia seeds? How do you eat them?
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw almonds
- 1 L boiled water cooled
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoon honey runny
- 1 free-range egg white
Instructions
- Place the almonds in a large bowl and cover with the boiled, cooled water.
- Cover the bowl and leave it to sit over night.
- The next morning, pre-heat the oven to 150C fan-forced and line a baking tray with paper.
- Drain the almonds and transfer to a large, dry bowl.
- Stir through the chia seeds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, honey and egg white until the mixture starts to froth.
- Use a spatula to fold it through the almonds until all the nuts are coated.
- Spread the nuts out on the baking tray.
- Bake for 1 hour then take the tray out of the oven and use a fork to separate any clumps and turn the nuts then good for another 1-2 hours or until the colour of the almonds deepens.
- Take the tray out of the oven and leave the nuts to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge.
Dianne says
Thanks for this recipe; it's going to be a great addition to a buffet table. I've made it plant-based by using 2T of aquafaba (the drained liquid from chickpeas/garbanzos) instead of the egg white, and maple syrup for the honey.
Oh, and to make them quickly, I put the almonds in my Instant Pot and used Low Pressure for 2 minutes, then did a Quick Release. After draining, I followed your steps. Marvelous!
Claire says
Oh great ideas Dianne!
The Life of Clare says
Claire, these sound amazing! I'm printing the recipe right now and I can't wait to make them! Yumo!
Claire says
Hope you like them Clare!
Jo Smith says
Almonds are my current go to snack and this will hugely improve them. Great idea Claire.
Claire says
It will Jo!
Stephanie@HenryHappened says
Love almonds & these sound amazing!!
Claire says
If you love almonds then you'll love this Stephanie!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
These clusters look addicting!
Claire says
They are indeed Laura!
lizzie - strayed from the table says
you are so clever. I use chia often, though this could be a sneaky trick to get the hubby to eat them too - he loves almonds.
Claire says
If he loves almonds then he'll love this too!
Carmen says
I, too, have a bag of chia as well as a bag of almonds and will be trying this recipe.
You can buy chia plants, it is a salvia. I did have one growing but like some of my plants it has gone to Plant Heaven.
You probably have already read this, but chia seeds can also be used as a replacement for egg, but only the white ones.
Carmen says
Hmm, I mean white chia seeds and not white eggs. :))
Claire says
Oh good Carmen! Thanks for that that's very interesting. Yes sadly a few of my plants are up there with yours. I actually just read about that this week but I didn't know it was only the white ones. What a wealth of information you are!
celia says
I adore sesame snaps! I'll have to give these a go - great recipe, Claire! :)
Claire says
You would love them then Celia. I'm going to give it a go with just the seeds and see how they turn out. It will be a rather expensive failure if it doesn't work but fingers crossed.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Great idea making them like the sesame snaps! I only wish they were a bit less expensive because a bag of them can be pretty exxy!
Claire says
They are a bit pricy but they have bang for buck!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
They're really good for us but I've never seen them stuck to nuts before. Love it.
Claire says
Aren't they?!
Jess says
I have a huge bag of chia seeds that I bought in the states when I was home, but I'm still pretty limited in the way I use them. This is a great idea though - such a fun snack and a good way to sneak in some protein. Your market at lunchtime sounds ridiculous - that would have made working in an office a bit more interesting for sure!
Claire says
They're so delicious Jess! The markets were such a great break in the middle of the week.