Marcona Almonds with Herbes de Provence & Cheese Plate

Not sure what to serve for last minute guests or don't feel like cooking?
My favorite solution is to prepare a quick bowl of seasoned nuts and a cheese plate.

Directions:

1. Select favorite nut type-raw, roasted salted or unsalted your choice. Pre-heat oven to 350F, line a baking sheet with foil, spray with non-stick spray. 
2. Place handful or more of nuts into a bowl- spray with non-stick spray- toss with your favorite seasoning - be mindful that if it is a blend other than herbal it has salt in it so, don't over salt. 
3. Toss, heat in oven 15min. Remove and allow them to cool.

Cheese Plate on the cheap - Whole Foods has the best cheese selection in Baltimore.
One of the best-cheap finds- their cheese orphans sold at the salad bar. Small, inexpensive and usually at least 3-4 types available. Most portions are less then $2 and you can experiment with less financial risk. Yes, the cheese department will slice any type for you into any size but I just hate requesting such small portions for my 2 person household. This way you it is a bit of adventure with less thought. I grab a few I have never heard of and am good to go. No guilt if we don't eat it all.

Chorizo & Dry Aged Sausage

Manchego, Gorgonzola, Roncal, Aged Gruyere, Aged Gouda, Smoked Gouda

Seasoned Nuts Egg Free & Reduced Fat Dark Chocolate Potato Chip Bark

It is holiday time! Making small treats for family and friends is my favorite part of the holiday.

Here are two recipes which take less than 20 minutes each.


Cinnamon Chipotle Walnuts
(VEGAN IF YOU USE Non-stick Spray)

Preheat your oven to 325F.
For 1lb or 16oz of walnuts (shelled, peeled).

1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup McCormick's Smoky Sweet rub (cinnamon chipotle blend) or make your own variation
[1 part chipotle to 2 parts cinnamon and you may want to add salt]

Mix sugar and spices in a bowl (if you use seasoning blend no need for added salt).
Spray foil lined baking sheet with non-stick spray.
For less fat, spray your walnuts with same spray (all sides). If you prefer, you can coat nuts with melted butter (3tbsp).
Add sprayed nuts to bowl, toss in seasoning. Evenly, distribute coated nuts on foil lined baking sheet.
Bake in oven 15 minutes. Let cool and package in bags for gifts or serve warm as appetizer.


Reduced Fat Dark Chocolate Potato Chip Bark

Most bark recipes have you add vegetable shortening or oil to the chocolate during melting. Due to the fat from the chips, I eliminate this step. I do not think it is that noticeable. Give it a try!

2- 11.5oz Ghirardelli 60% Bittersweet chocolate baking chips (or any other good quality chocolate you like)
2-3 cups crushed Reduced Fat Utz plain potato chips (can use any kind of chip-even tortilla if you like)
[ratio of chip to chocolate is your preference, for more chocolate use only 2cups crushed chips]

Line a baking sheet with nonstick foil or parchment or wax paper which has been sprayed with nonstick spray.
Make a double boiler by adding 2 inches of water to a sauce pot.
Place a stainless steel or glass mixing bowl on top the pot.
Add all the chocolate.
Turn heat to medium-high bringing water to a simmer. Stir chocolate as it melts.
Once all the chips are melted, turn off the stove and stir in your crushed chips.
Spread mixture evenly on to baking sheet and place in freezer to solidify. Once chilled, break into uneven chunks and enjoy!