I recently received this comment from a reader who subscribes to my email feed:
“I’m not interested in non-raw food recipes–as perhaps many others who view your postings. Perhaps you could, to avoid wasting such people’s time, simply note that this is a cooked food recipe, and then people can make an informed choice.”
I laughed upon reading it. Until I realized it was not a joke, it was serious. I thought of unsubscribing the poor fellow, so as not to waste his time with the more than 100 free recipes I post each year. Then I realized he could simply do that himself.
So, just to clarify things, folks. This is not a raw food blog. This is not a Paleo diet blog. This is not a low-sugar blog. This is not a grain-free blog, SCD blog, or even a gluten free blog. It is all of the above. And more. In essence, this blog is many different things to many different people. If you find it a waste of time (and you know exactly who you are) then just save your time. Unsubscribe.
For the rest of you, here’s a fun little cocktail snack that’s high in protein and quite tasty. When I made these and set them out on the kitchen table the other day, they were gone in a couple of hours. These healthy nuts are one my favorite gluten free snacks.
Smoked Paprika Almonds
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 cups whole raw almonds
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon celtic sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a 9 inch skillet over medium heat (I used my cast iron skillet, though any skillet will work)
- Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until the garlic is almost brown
- Add the smoked paprika, salt, chili and cayenne and stir to make a paste
- Add the almonds and stir constantly until they are thoroughly coated
- Continue toasting the almonds in the skillet until they are fragrant, about 5 minutes
- Remove from heat and allow the nuts to cool in the pan
- Serve
Equipment
If your garlic begins to burn at any time, be sure to remove it or the burnt garlic flavor will ruin this dish.
This delicious recipe is based on one written by Amy Culbertson. I use basically the same ingredients as she does, though instead of expensive (and delicious) Marcona almonds, I just used plain organic almonds. Otherwise (with the exception of my addition of chili powder and cayenne) this is her fantastic recipe for the most part.
Hänni says
Elana I follow none of those diets, but like you, I have a way of eating that incorporates all those. Keep up the good work with your blog. As to the hater–let him eat cake–raw, dehydrated, chewy cake!
christin says
Don’t unsubscibe me! I’ll take any recipe you give me. You kick butt! Keep ’em coming!! :)
Theresa Watson says
Wow Elena — some people never cease to amaze me. I have been visiting so many sites since having to go dairy and gluten free and I absolutely love yours the best. The information is accurate and thorough, the recipes are easy and don’t use a ton of ingredients like the other sites do, and everything that I have made has come out perfect. Even my family and friends who do not have to be gluten free love your recipes.
Just to share a quick story — my church Club Zion in Cocoa Beach runs a free surf camp each summer for four days. We provide the attendees (last year over 200 teenagers came) with surf boards, breakfast and lunch, snacks, t-shirts, evening entertainment. Do you know, that every year some of the parents actually complain about the Free shirt or the Free meals. It just amazes me.
Well enough said — thanks so very much for all that you do — keep up the great work and don’t waste another second thinking about Raw Food Guy he isn’t worth it.
Also, when is your book coming out — will it be available to purchase on your site?
Love & Laughter,
Theresa Watson
Merritt Island Fl
Jenny says
Wow. That guy sounds like a real piece of work! Can’t wait to try this recipe. We love almonds.
Karen Bean says
I agree with all the words above. After all, how hard is it to quickly scan a recipe to see if you want it? But then, some people want everything in the world to rotate around them rather than doing what we can do to bring unity and appreciate each effort. Just got to love him anyway! Elena, just keep giving us the great recipes and ideas. Most of us appreciate your hard work and labors of love. It helps all of us.
katie says
People can be soooo rude. Especially over the internet. It’s almost shocking. But what can you do?
I love your recipes and your blogging style and I’m an avid reader. Keep posting away! :)
VeggieGirl says
Ew, I cannot believe that someone left that comment!! What idiots. You KNOW I love your blog, so keep featuring ANYTHING that you want, Elana!! Here’s to raw, cooked, vegan, carnivorous foods!! :-D
**Just as a heads up: I will not be able to comment on blogs as often now, during this semester, due to work overload (I’m stressed already) – PLEASE know that I’m still loyally reading, but just won’t have time to comment. I hope you understand!!
Alisa says
haha! I laughed when I read this. I get insane comments emailed to me like this from my website too sometimes!
BTW, thanks for continuing to remind me to roast some darn nuts. I think you have posted up others, and I keep forgetting, but these sound soo good!
Lynnette says
I often wish for relief of reading every list of ingredients on every recipe I read every day. But I do and I must or dire consequences result. I share the dissenters wish to just once have my needs described in bold at the top of a recipe. I am forewarned !
Thank heavens Elena’s lists are short, easy to read, and the results consistently worth it! And usually meet most or all of my wheat/corn gluten, dairy and sugar avoidance needs.
Bless you Elena.
May says
Dear Elena,
I am not a vegetarian, nor do I follow any diet, but I still use your recipes to make delicious healthy meals at home.
Thank you for this lovely blog.. =)
May xoxo