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.
Janet says
In your spicy walnut dressing, your use Annie’s natural oil and vinegar dressing wih balsamic vinegar. In the fine print, it says that the distilled vinegar is made from corn or rye (I know the gluten should not be present after distillation). Also, the dressing is made on equipment that also processes wheat. You haven’t experienced any reactions from this manufacturer? You seem to be super sensitive (as I am) and I was just wondering. I tried their GF ketchup and reacted so I have not tried their other products.
Thanks.
EmmaJane Adams says
Don’t let empty-headed comments deter your dedication to this website and blog, Elana. I, too, am a celiac and have found your website to be a God-send. Thanks so much for terrific gluten free and just down-right healthy recipes. I applaud your efforts and hope you continue full speed ahead!
Athena says
Gosh Elana, how silly is that!! Some people have such nerve it’s amazing. Clearly that person could have very easily just looked at your recipes on their own and realized what you offer and use what they like or not instead of demanding that you change your blog to suit them. Silly, silly people. Oh the shame, Elana, of making them take 2 seconds to read through your recipe.. lol.
Love your blog, don’t change it!!
GFE--gluten free easily says
Ignore the malcontents of the world …
Great recipe. I love how you take a simple canning jar and make food look so elegant in it!
Shirley
Kate says
Elena, add my family to the list of those who have no special dietary needs but want to eat/live healthy and love your recipes! Thank you for helping us re-think our eating habits.
Ever since we came across your site, we’ve been recommending it to people for all sorts of reasons, even in Christmas gifts. We gave the cranberry nut bread, the sesame truffles, and the chocolate orange truffles to a health-conscious aunt, with the recipes printed out with your website–she was thrilled and plans to make more!
Please keep up the good work, despite the ubiquitous fault-finders. We appreciate you!
Tamzin says
Hi just to let you know I absolutely love your blog and all your recipes you have saved my dinner party’s many a time with your quick and easy foods.You have opened my cooking world to so many new foods and ideas its great! It makes my day to look in my inbox and see another new recipe from you.
So thank you x x
Mary says
Elana,
I am grateful for all the free recipes that you post. I have learned so much from your website. Thank you. I found your website several months ago. The chocolate chip cookies are a favorite of mine and my non-gluten free husband. He actually raves about them. I tell everyone I can about your FREE website and the great recipes and blogs you write along with the terrific photography of the food! I ordered my sister the Honeyville Almound Flour for Christmas so that she too can experiment from your website. You have made a difference in my life and have given me hope that there are tasty foods I can make on my restricted diet. A diet that I thought no one else had, but am learning through you that I am not the only one! Best to you in 2009.
Rebecca says
Elana,
After I found out my son had autism, our family all went on the GFCF diet. We started with many packaged (crap) items. I was lost in a world of not knowing what to feed us (without too many complaints). It was like our diet had to regress. I stummbled upon your website and felt like our family had been given a great gift. I don’t have the time or energy to waste on recipes that have too many ingredients. I don’t think rice should be eaten everyday. I now feel good about what we eat-thanks to MANY of your recipes! Thank you so much for your help.
Penny says
That was such a ridiculous thing to ask you to do not only because it was rude but, also because it would be very careless to leave the responsibility of our convictions re: our personal diet choices up to how another person “labels” a recipe! Everyone needs to take responsibility for what they choose to buy/make/eat!
Lesley Prince says
Good answer to the confused reader who doesn’t know where he/she is. Thank you for your wonderful site that embraces all kinds of recipes. Thank G-d most people are courteous!