almonds and almond flour

When on an anti-inflammatory diet, you have to give up wheat flour, which means no traditional bread, muffins, cake, etc. However almond flour can come to the rescue if you find yourself craving bakery treats! And fyi, this flour wasn’t something newly created just as a trendy substitute for wheat…the French have traditionally used this nutty flour for some of their most popular treats, including favorites such as macaroons and marzipan.

I thought I would pass along some “scoop” about almond flour!

Almond flour vs. almond meal – The flour is made from blanched almonds – no skin. The meal is ground from whole almonds. Almond meal has a stronger taste and is similar in consistency to cornmeal; it may be better to use as breading or topping on casseroles than in baking. Some people are extra sensitive to the lectins in the skin of the nut and it can actually increase inflammation in the body…if this is an issue for you, be sure to use blanched almond flour.

There can even be a big difference between different brands of almond flour and you may need to experiment. Many bakers believe the finer the grain, the better your baked goods will turn out. You can get this flour from so many sources, from Bob’s Red Mill, to our local supermarket, to ordering online. It can be expensive. Online options may provide a better price, especially if you buy in bulk.

Cooking with almond flour is different than cooking with wheat flour, so you are better off using recipes specifically calling for almond flour. Don’t just substitute almond flour for wheat flour in a recipe. Due to its different consistency, this flour can’t absorb liquid in the same way as wheat flour. It also tends to burn easier, so the recipe may require a lower oven temperature and need to bake longer.

Just because almond flour is paleo doesn’t mean it is low calorie. In fact it has more calories than wheat flour (but the calories you’re eating are full of protein and vitamin E). Blood sugar doesn’t tend to rise as fast after a meal made with almond flour because it is lower in carbs and sugar…this makes it a better option for diabetics. But moderation is key with these treats if you are worried about calories.

And lastly, I want to suggest a gluten free flour option for people who have a nut allergy (like me!) and can’t use a nut flour. Think.eat.live is a local St. Louis company that has developed Sunflour™ – a flour made from sunflower seeds, and it is gluten AND nut free. In addition to their flour, they also sell product mixes for brownies, muffins, pancakes, etc. And oh by the way, they are delicious! Check out their website https://thinkeatlive.com/ for more information.

If you’re looking for recipes with almond flour, try some from our website, including:

 

buffalo cauliflower bites

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Here's a simple recipe for a healthy snack, appetizer or side dish made with almond flour that you're sure to love. This recipe is tested and approved by a professional anti-inflammatory chef and came right out of The Official Anti-Inflammatory Diet Masterclass. Prepare it in your oven or air fryer.
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Oven or Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¾ cup almond flour
  • 2 tsp garlic salt
  • ¼ tsp coarse ground black pepper
  • 4 cups cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Whisk together the milk, water, flour, garlic salt and pepper in a large bowl then toss with the cauliflower. Place cauliflower without the excess sauce on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes.
  • Remove the cauliflower from the baking sheet, toss with hot sauce and return to the baking sheet for an additional 10 minutes in the oven.
  • Enjoy hot!

Notes

This dish can be made in the air fryer, using the same recipe but the cooking time will be 10-15 minutes or until softened to your liking. The cauliflower should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, sprayed with olive oil cooking spray, and tossed half way through cooking.
Keyword Air Fryer, Anti-Inflammatory, Appetizer, Cauliflower, Side Dish, Snack

 

Almond Butter

Almond Butter

Do you ever run out of almond butter in your pantry?  It's so simple to make your own with just 2 ingredients.
Course Sauces, Snack

Ingredients
  

  • 7 cups almond flour
  • 3/4 cup coconut oil

Instructions
 

  • Add the almond flour to the food processor and turn on.
  • Pour the coconut oil into the top while processor is on. Process for about 5 – 10 minutes until you have a smooth butter. You will need to scrape down the sides occasionally.
  • Store in an airtight container or one of your old almond butter jars for up to 3 months.
Keyword Anti-Inflammatory, Sauce, Snack

 

Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders

Kids of all ages will love this homemade version of the frozen standby. But we said kids "of all ages" -- that means you too! This is a great addition to a quick lunch or dinner or chopped up on a salad for a flavorful addition. Looking for a hearty appetizer that you can enjoy on an anti-inflammatory diet? Bring this to your next gathering!
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup blanched almond flour
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 cup finely processed Nut-Thins cracker crumbs see pro tip below
  • 1 ½ lbs thinly sliced chicken breast or strips
  • Salt pepper and garlic powder to taste
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

  • Put flour, eggs and processed crackers into individual containers large enough for dipping the chicken.
  • Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder on both sides. Dredge each cutlet in flour and shake off the excess before dipping into egg, and then finally coating evenly with the cracker crumbs.
  • Place the prepared cutlets in the air fryer basket and spray both sides liberally with olive oil spray. Set the air fryer to 400°F for 15 minutes.  Cook until chicken is evenly browned on both side (flipping halfway through) and the internal temperature registers 165°F.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Place Nut-Thins in a food processor and pulse until they reach the consistency of panko bread crumbs.
Keyword Air Fryer, Anti-Inflammatory, Appetizer, Entree, Poultry, Snack

If you’re interested in an anti-inflammatory lifestyle and more information (and recipes) like this, check out The Official Anti-Inflammatory Diet Masterclass.  Or email us at info@VitalityConsultantsLLC.com for more details.

 

 

#almondjoy, #feedyourvitality, #deliciouswellness, #bringmetothebakery