ALMOUND FLOUR REVISITED

I have wanted to share a few important links and recipes with all of you for quite a while. Sorry for the delay. First, I want to talk about Almond Flour, Almond Meal, the difference between the two in recipes, and the cost factor.

I avoid purchasing almond flour in the grocery store at around $15.00 per pound. One example of almond flour you will find in retail stores is Bob's Red Mill. This product, really more of an almond meal, has a very coarse texture. I do not recommend using Bob's Red Mill almond flour in my recipes, although, it will yield a decent result – just not the amazing results that a finer textured Almond Flour will produce. The least expensive almond meal I have seen locally is in the “Bulk Barn,” where the cost is roughly $9.39 per pound. In the bulk stores, it is referred to as “ground almonds,” and that is closer to the truth of its texture. I prefer to purchase almond flour of the finest quality and texture online where the price is considerably less than retail in either the grocery store or in bulk. Of course, there are shipping costs, which add to the bottom line price. Ultimately, almond flour is still expensive, but it is packed with protein and flavour, allowing me to have baked treats like cupcakes and breads. So for me, it is worth the cost.

Here in Canada the best link to order almond flour online is:

JK Gourmet at www.jkgourmet.com 1-800-608-0465.

Search the website carefully. You are only interested in the blanched almond flour! You will be buying in bulk from JK Gourmet, but you will save money, your results will be wonderful, and you will have plenty on hand when you need it.

Other online sources, best for US orders, are:

Benefit Your Life (organic) at www.benefityourlifestore.com 1-877-295-2407

Honeyville at www.store.honeyvillegrain.com 1-888-810-3212

In the US, you can purchase smaller amounts per online order, which, based on your budget, might be helpful.

I store my almond flour in the freezer, taking out 8-10 cups at a time to keep on hand at room temperature. Trying to use frozen almond flour is more work than it’s worth.

By the way, if you have enjoyed the almond flour recipes in GOOD FOOD using almond meal or ground almonds, you will enjoy those recipes even more using this better quality almond flour. You need not make measurement adjustments.

I will follow this post with a recipe which, thanks to the finer textured almond flour, I have really enjoyed, “Dark Rye Bread.”

Enjoy.

MULTI "GRAIN" Crackers

On the Maximized Living Advanced Nutrition Plan, and in GOOD FOOD, you will find a lot of recipes for terrific dips and spreads. By now, you may be tired of using celery and red pepper to scoop up these delights. This cracker recipe is surprisingly easy, and really tasty. When I come home from school, I especially enjoy one or two of these crackers with plain old raw almond butter!

Enjoy.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup blanched almond flour (see Almond Flour Revisited)

1/2 cup raw macadamia nuts

1 tablespoon coconut flour

1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds

2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds

2 tablespoons raw sesame seeds

2 tablespoons organic hemp seeds

1 tablespoon ground flax meal

1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1/4 cup water

Preparation:

In a food processor, pulse almond flour, macadamia nuts and coconut flour until well ground and combined. Pulse in remaining dry ingredients until almost fully ground. Leave a tiny bit of texture - you'll enjoy the crunch.

Pulse in coconut oil and water. Dough will form a ball in the food processor.

Roll out the dough between 2 pieces of parchment paper to 1/4 inch thickness.

Cut into 2 inch squares, 5 rows each way.

Sprinkle with a few extra sesame seeds if desired. (Optional - I always do.)

Bake at 300 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

Makes about 25 crackers.