Nuts are rich in good fats, low in carbohydrates, high in fibre and are a great source of several nutrients including vitamin E, Magnesium and selenium. They are also filled with antioxidants. Nuts are good for heart health because they may help lower total LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while boosting levels of HDL cholesterol. They are also a good source for people with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndromes because it improves the blood sugar, blood pressure and also reduces inflammations.
When I began my healthy journey I kept on trying to recreate my favourite things so I can enjoy them and it used to really surprise me every time i was completely satisfied with the healthier version. Now however, i don't get surprised anymore because i believe that healthy food can be tasty and i actually love the feeling of indulging guilt free foods.
One of my favourite types of nuts which i always used to like at carnivals and malls growing up were the candied ones that were sold on those little carts and smelt so good from miles away! I started making "healthier" candied nuts and they actually taste just as good but with better ingredients. I like making almonds coated with honey and sesame seeds sometimes but my favourite ones have to be those addictive candied pecans, whenever we make them at home they finish instantly!
I hope you enjoy them as much as we do :)
Recipe: (1 jar)
Ingredients
2 & 1/2 cups of pecans
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
3 TBSP pure maple syrup
1 TBSP raw coconut palm sugar
Method
- Preheat the oven to 150c.
- Mix the pecans with the cinnamon and salt in a bowl.
- Add in the maple syrup and coconut sugar. Mix very well so the pecans are well coated.
- Place the pecans on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes. Flip, and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely before transferring to an air tight container.
