Trish Magwood's Favorite Snack

We're delighted to partner with noted TV personality and cookbook author, Trish Magwood to bring you simple recipes, tips and pantry secrets using almonds. 

Trish keeps almonds stocked in her pantry so that she is armed and ready to whip up a quick meal or snack on-the-fly for either herself, her kids, or when entertaining her guests.  Her favorite pantry staples - whole natural almonds and almond milk.  “Nothing beats a handful of crunchy whole natural almonds. They are a pantry staple ingredient I always keep on hand for a quick snack or a flavourful add-in for meals like salads, stir-fry’s or pasta dishes.”, explains Trish.  “I also use almond milk as an essential ingredient for my smoothies, soups, chicken casseroles, cream pasta sauces and baked goods.” 

 Mid-Morning Snacks On-the-Run

Mornings can be hectic and it’s hard to find time to sit down and eat with the kids, so Trish counts on crunchy almonds to give her a nutritious mid-morning boost to help keep her satisfied until midday.

Try her simple, versatile mid-morning snack using slivered almonds:

• Mix almonds with homemade granola with oats, coconut, cranberries, dried apricots and a touch of honey.
• Ideal in a to-go container when you’re rushing out the door; you can eat this tasty snack dry or with milk when you stop for coffee! 
• An ideal breakfast add-on with fresh fruit and yogurt when you’re multitasking around the house to help kick-start your day.
• My kids call it a stroller snack, so it’s a breakfast or mini meal on-the-go in disguise!

Cheddar, Chive and Almond Milk Scones

You can bake these half way, cool, freeze and then bake from frozen for half the time  - what a treat to have these on hand in the freezer when yo feel like a savoury snack!


Click here to download the recipe

Almond Chocolate Chews

I used to make a variation of these no bake treats in high school with my friend as the ultimate after school snack. Now, I make them with our kids at Christmas time – they love the simple assembly and they are great, casual teacher and host gifts from the kids in the kitchen. Put in a little pastry box or Chinese take-out box with brown wool string tying a recycled gift card.
 

Click here to download the recipe

Baked Fig Pops with Blue Cheese & Candied Almonds

These quick yet elegant nibbles impress guests and keep the host calm. This is a different variation of my cheese tray in a bite – fruit, cheese, nuts in one mouthful – heaven. For slightly heartier fare, throw them on a thin crostini, pushing the figs down slightly so they don’t roll away onto your cocktail party neighbour’s fancy shoes! For a fabulous alternative, feel free to try sliced pears on a crostini instead of figs, as shown in this photo.

Click here to download the recipe

Almond Crusted Chevre and Grape ‘Truffles’

This is a deceptively simple make-ahead hors d’oeuvre or a great activity for an interactive party.  It’s a substantial nibble – think traditional cheese platter with fruits and almonds – all in one bite! 
                                                                 

 Click here to download the recipe

 Pantry Pasta with Chicken and Almond Cream

This casual around the counter dinner is not for the faint hearted but worth every calorie. An ideal pantry pasta, these are simple ingredients on hand. Add dried or fresh mushrooms or olives –whatever inspires you from your pantry.


Click here to download the recipe