🍪 Almond Chewies: A Sweet Delight 🍪
Almond Chewies are delightful and delectable cookies that are cherished by many for their chewy texture and nutty flavor. Let’s dive into their history, components, preparation steps, and the time required to make these scrumptious treats. 🤤
📜 History:
Almond Chewies, also known as Almond Chewy Cookies, have a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. They are believed to have originated in the United States, where almonds were widely cultivated. These cookies quickly gained popularity for their unique texture and flavor, and they have remained a beloved treat ever since.
🧁 Components:
To make Almond Chewies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of almonds (preferably blanched and slivered)
- 2 egg whites
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
- A pinch of salt
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Prepare the Almonds: If your almonds are not already slivered, you can do this by chopping them finely. You can also use store-bought slivered almonds for convenience.
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Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This will take a few minutes of vigorous whipping.
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Gradually Add Sugar: While continuing to beat the egg whites, gradually add in the granulated sugar. This will create a glossy meringue-like mixture.
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Fold in Almonds and Flavoring: Gently fold in the slivered almonds, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Be careful not to deflate the mixture too much; you want to maintain some of that airy texture.
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Form and Bake: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop small mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each mound. These cookies won’t spread much, so you can shape them as desired.
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Baking Time: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden around the edges. They should still be soft and chewy in the center.
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Cool and Enjoy: Allow the Almond Chewies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, savor the nutty, chewy goodness!
⏱️ Time Required:
The preparation and baking time for Almond Chewies typically takes around 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making them a relatively quick and satisfying treat to whip up.
So there you have it – the delightful Almond Chewies! Enjoy making and indulging in these sweet, chewy, and nutty cookies. 🍪😄
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Chewies:
🍪 Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 80-100 kcal
- Total Fat: 3-5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0-1 gram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 10-20 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 12-15 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 10-12 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
🌱 Health Information:
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Almonds: Almonds are a fantastic source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. They’re also rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, and provide essential minerals like magnesium and potassium. Almonds may help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
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Egg Whites: Egg whites are a low-calorie source of high-quality protein, making them an excellent choice for those looking to increase protein intake while minimizing calories and fat. They are also virtually cholesterol-free.
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Sugar: While Almond Chewies contain sugar for sweetness, it’s essential to consume sugary treats in moderation. Excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain and various health issues. Consider using alternatives like natural sweeteners or reducing sugar if you’re health-conscious.
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Moderation: Like all treats, Almond Chewies should be enjoyed in moderation. While they offer some nutritional benefits from almonds and egg whites, they are still a sweet indulgence, and overconsumption can contribute to excess calorie intake.
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Allergen Alert: These cookies contain almonds, so be cautious if you have nut allergies. Always read labels and inform individuals with allergies to avoid any risks.
Remember that the exact nutrition content may vary based on specific recipes and ingredient quantities. It’s a good practice to check product labels or use a nutrition calculator if you have dietary restrictions or specific health concerns. Enjoy Almond Chewies as an occasional treat and balance them with a well-rounded diet for overall health. 🌟🍪
