Recipe: Vanilla Orange Almonds

As some of you know, due to a severe allergy from my nursing babe, I am exploring a soy and dairy free existence. Because of the severity of his allergy it means no soy or dairy right down to soybean oil, soy sauce (which by the way are in EVERYTHING!)...which means everything right down to bread and sauces must be homemade from scratch. One delicious find that Santa stuffed in my stocking, were Vanilla Orange Almonds and I have been on a mission ever since to re-create these tasty treats! I have also found that this recipe is even better using a variety of mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, macadamia and hazelnuts are my current fav's).

After multiple tries and tweaks of the recipe, plus tireless taste tests (mmmmm....) I thought this yumminess was too good not to share!

Vanilla Orange Almonds  (or Mixed Nuts as the case may be)
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine:

• 2 egg whites
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• juice of half an orange (remove the rind and put to the side before juicing)

Beat mixture until top half is white and frothy, but bottom half remains liquid. Stir in and mix until covered in mixture:

• 1 lbs almonds (or mixed nuts)

Gently fold in:

• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• rind of one full orange
• pinch of sea salt

Stir until all nuts are thoroughly coated. Spread the nuts evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchement paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 mins to 1 hour, thoroughly stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven, stir once more and let cool on tray. When cool, pack in an airtight container.

Enjoy!