Tamari Almonds -- From the simple to the sublime ...

Almonds after roasting, pre-tamari.

Our friend Kim first introduced us to homemade tamari almonds a number of years ago. I've changed the method of cooking from stove top to oven (easier and less high maintenance -- which is ironic, because Kim is definitely less high maintenance than I am), however the spirit of this simple delicacy remains the same. Amazingly, almost everyone seems able to wolf down a relatively large quantity of these tasty little nuggets, and we seem to power through them at an alarming rate whenever we make them. Not that it's a bad thing. Although there are cautions in 'alternative' medicine about over use of soy and soy products, fermented soy is in a different category, and is able to provide hard to come by nutrients. It's also important to note, however, that conventional soy is processed in some dubious ways resulting in high heavy metal content in some non-organic soy products. To be safe, it seems to be recommended to always choose organic when using soy. With that long winded intro, here's the recipe.


ingredients:

2 cups raw almonds
1 1/2 tsp to 3 tsp tamari (depends how seasoned you like 'em)


directions:

1. preheat your oven to 345
2. put the almonds on a baking sheet. You can double the quantity if you have a large baking sheet. I always line mine with a silicone mat. Habit.
3. bake the almonds for between 20 and 30 minutes in the upper half of the oven at 345. I have left a bit of a spread in the time, because there are variables that will affect how toasted the almonds become, and also personal taste enters into it. Generally, I would say they are done when they are lightly browned through, and some of them crack open a little.
4. remove the almonds from the oven and put them in a bowl. Pour the tamari on them an stir well until all the almonds are coated. They will absorb the tamari after a little while.
5. allow them to cool thoroughly, and then store in an airtight container. Humidity will make them lose their crunch, so this is important.

These make a great anytime snack when you just need a little something to tide you over. Almonds are pretty close to a perfect food, so don't be afraid to indulge.

All dressed up with nowhere to go ...