More People Are Calling Almonds Their Favorite Nut-and They Are Putting Their Almonds Where Their Mouths Are. Over The Past Six Years, American Almond Consumption Has Increased By 11 Percent Per Year.From Roasted And Seasoned Almonds In Creative, Portable Packaging To Almond Granola Bars, Energy Bars And Breakfast Bars To Entrees And Vegetable Dishes, Almonds Are Found In A Variety Of New Food Products. One Reason For Their Popularity May Be Their Health Benefits. Studies Have Shown That Almonds As Part Of A Balanced Eating Plan Can Lower LDL, Or "bad," Cholesterol And Can Help Promote A Healthy Weight. In Addition, Almonds Are Packed With The Antioxidant Vitamin E, Magnesium, Protein And Fiber. They Also Contain Calcium. So, It's No Coincidence Almonds Have Become A Favorite Ingredient And The Healthy Snack Of Choice. Quinoa Salad With Almonds, Feta And Summer VegetablesServes: 6Ingredients:1 Cup Quinoa2 Cups Low-sodium Chicken Broth Or Vegetable Broth3 Ounces Cubed Feta Cheese12 Cup Sliced Almonds, Roasted12 Pint Grape Tomatoes, Halved1 Small Red Bell Pepper, Seeded And Diced1 Small Zucchini, Trimmed And Diced2 Scallions, DicedBasil-Chive Vinaigrette (recipe Below)Instructions:Place Quinoa In A Medium Pot And Rinse With Water. Strain Out Water; Add Broth And Turn Heat To High. Bring To A Boil, Then Reduce Heat And Simmer Uncovered Until Liquid Is Absorbed, About 15 Minutes. Cool And Toss Gently With Feta, Almonds, Vegetables And Vinaigrette. Serve. Basil-Chive Vinaigrette:2 Tablespoons White Wine VinegarJuice Of 12 Lime14 Cup Plus 1 Tablespoon Extra-virgin Olive Oil2 Tablespoons Minced Fresh Chives1 Tablespoon Minced Fresh BasilSalt And PepperCombine Vinegar And Lime Juice In A Small Bowl. Gradually Whisk In Olive Oil Until Mixture Is Smooth And Uniform. Stir In Chives And Basil. Season With Salt And Pepper To Taste.To Roast Sliced Almonds, Spread In An Ungreased Baking Pan. Place In A 350F Oven And Bake 10 Minutes Or Until Golden Brown And Fragrant; Stir Once Or Twice To Ensure Even Browning. Note That Almonds Will Continue To Roast Slightly After Removing From Oven.
