February 16th is National Almond Day #NationalAlmondDay. I don’t know about you but I love Nuts which I use when dieting. As I was looking for recipes to use with Almonds I thought of Chocolate Covered Almonds but since Chicken is the only kind of Meat Charlie likes.
I found a recipe for Almond Cashew Chicken which I’ve never had and neither has Charlie I was thinking I might prepare this for dinner. As for David I don’t know if he has had Almond Cashew Chicken or not. So it might be a new treat for him as we.
Would you like to join us for dinner and if so what should we serve with Almond Cashew Chicken and why? What would you like to drink and why? Then any ideal for a dessert that would go with Almond Cashew Chicken and remember were celebrating #NationalAlmondDay so we need something with #Alomonds today.
Did you know you can toss Almond in a Salad, ground Almonds into Flour, use Almonds for a healthy alternative to Milk, or just munch on a few Almonds for an afternoon snack. Did you know Almonds are among the most versatile and delicious of Nuts.
Almonds are filled with vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber, Almonds are wonderfully healthy and may even help fight heart disease. On February 16th, National Almond Day, let’s pay tribute to these tiny powerhouses packed with goodness!
National Almond Day Activities
- I would like to introduce you to Almond Bark is a delicious, decadent, and incredibly easy-to-make treat. Which I’ve never had and neither has Charlie or David. Pour melted Chocolate over Almonds and add any other ingredients that catch your fancy, including dried Fruit. When the Chocolate has hardened, break the Bark into pieces and package in cellophane as a great way to show someone you care.
- Almonds come in a variety of flavor options, including Smoked, Honey Roasted, or even Sriracha, which I don’t know about you but I will pass on and have plain original Almonds.
- Almonds have different textures like chopped, blanched, sliced, or slivered. Sprouted Almonds have a distinctive crunch, while Jordan Almonds are known world-wide as a delicious treat. There are so many choices, you can celebrate all day!
- Marzipan is an Almond Paste mixed with Sugar and a few other ingredients to make a pliable Dough. It can be colored and used to create sculptures in the same way you would use clay, with the wonderful exception that the creations are edible.
Why People Love National Almond Day
Eating Almonds can keep our skin glowing and Almonds are a great source of Vitamin E and other antioxidants that nourish the skin and reduce signs of aging. Researchers have found that several of the compounds in Almonds can help fight skin cancer and damage by reversing the effects of a poor diet, pollution, and UV light exposure.
There may be no such thing as a perfect food, but did you know Almonds are pretty close? Packed with vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients, Almonds are also a great source of plant protein and healthy fat. Plus, studies have shown that Almonds can help reduce belly fat and lower cholesterol.
Most people would say almost no dish wouldn’t benefit from a sprinkling of Almonds. From Ice Cream to Green Bean Casserole, Almonds add texture, taste, and variety to your menu. Really, everything is just a little better if you add Almonds. Isn’t it?
Recipe Almind Cashew Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
- 2 egg whites or about 80 grams liquid egg whites or 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1-2 Tablespoons oil
- 1/3 cup cashews, almonds, or a mix of both (you can always leave these out if need a lower fat meal)
- 4 green onions cut on diagonal
- 4 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or soy sauce alternative, such as coconut aminos, this is what we use)
- General Tso’s Sauce (optional)
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Directions:
Serve with riced cauliflower, veggies, rice, noodles, couscous, etc. The possibilities are en
Cut chicken into cubes.
Mix egg whites, salt, and cornstarch. Add chicken and toss to coat. Refrigerate covered for at least 20-30 minutes. This can be done in advanced.
Heat 1-2 tablespoons oil in a deep sided skillet or wok (I use a wok.). Add the chicken and quickly stir fry. Don’t let chicken stick together. Cook for about 3-4 minutes (depends on the size of your chicken pieces).
Add the nuts and green onions, continue stir frying for another 1-2 minutes, be careful not to burn the nuts or onions.
Add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, and chicken to the pan and stir fry for another minute.
We added a little Trader Joe’s General Tso’s sauce and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (to taste). It was delicious. Add the sauce and pepper flakes at the end of cooking; stir to combine.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
