Whenever I bake, I try to make something wholesome and hearty for everyone to enjoy. Adding almonds gives my baked goods a bit of extra flavor, making my treats salty and savory. They also add some healthy protein for my vegetarian friends. You really can’t go wrong with these healthy treats.

Almond Cookies

These cookies are popular in Chinese restaurants, but they taste so much better when they’re made at home. They only take 10 minutes in the oven and they’re well worth the wait.

• ½ cup Second Nature California Almonds
• 1 egg
• 1 ¼ cup flour
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 teaspoons amaretto liqueur (optional)

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. In a food processor, chop the almonds until they’re ground. In a large mixing bowl, mix the butter and sugar. Slowly mix in the egg, amaretto, almonds and flour. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet and enjoy.

Almond Biscotti

Personally, I love to have something a little sweet to eat with my coffee. This recipe is great for the after dinner sweet tooth in you. It’s sweet, light, hearty and crunchy.

• 1 cup Second Nature California Almonds
• 3 eggs
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees. In a food processor, chop the almonds lightly. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Beat the eggs and vanilla in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Combine all of the ingredients together and add the almonds to the dough.

Roll the dough out on a floured surface and transfer onto your baking sheet. Shape the dough into a 3×14 inch log. Bake for 30 minutes and cool for 10. Using a serrated knife, cut the log into slices and place back in the oven for another 20 minutes. Each piece should be crispy and firm to the touch. Once the biscotti cools, enjoy!

Almond Joy Bars

Almond joys don’t always have to be bought in the store. In fact, they’re richer when you bake them in the oven. You’ll get more for your money as well.

• ½ cup Second Nature California Almonds
• 5 cups chocolate baking chunks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 10 tablespoons butter
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 2 ½ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 28 ounces condensed milk
• 28 ounces shredded coconut

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a pan with vegetable oil. In a bowl, mix the butter, sugar, flour and salt together. Smooth out the mixture into the bottom of your pan and bake for 10 minutes.

In a separate bowl, mix the milk, coconut and vanilla. Spread the mixture over the crust and bake for another 25 minutes. Melt the chocolate baking chunks in a pan and pour over the coconut in one smooth layer. Top with the almonds for a sweet and salty treat.

There are so many new and creative ways to bake with almonds. If baking isn’t really your thing, you can always add almonds to no bake cookies or to a simple and healthy dark chocolate bark. Adding almonds to any recipe means adding more fiber, protein and vitamins to your meal, treat or snack. When you add almonds, you’re sure to add health benefits.