Sahale Snacks is a Seattle-based company that makes all natural, gourmet nut snacks. And while they seem to market themselves as an outdoorsy person's snack - something you might take on a hike - they're really more fancy then that. They'd better accompaniment to a glass of wine, if you ask me.
The price is on the high side (about $5.50 for a 142 gram bag). And right from the first time I saw these I thought why, I could make these at home! So I did. And it helps that the main ingredients are clearly listed on the front of the bag.
The results? I'm quite pleased with my homemade mix of roasted almonds, diced dried apples, dates, flax seeds, balsamic vinegar, and cayenne. It works. Their almonds were crunchier, more toasted and mine tasted fresher. I think Sahale's mix has some extra spices such as cumin, cinnamon and perhaps hot paprika. And I didn't roast my mix in the oven which I'd do next time. But all in all, they taste (and look) pretty similar.
Here's the recipe as I made it...
Ingredients
1 cup roasted almonds
1/2 cup dried apple rings, diced
1/2 cup dates, diced
2 tablespoons flax seeds
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon orange juice
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Directions
Over a medium high heat, roast almonds for 5 minutes until they start giving off oils and an aroma. Meanwhile, combine balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, orange juice, cayenne and salt [and pinches of cumin and cinnamon next time I make it].
Add the liquid to the fry pan and continue cooking for two minutes. [Next time I will try roasting in the oven at 250 for 30 minutes or so- on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper] Remove from heat and spread out into a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and cool.
Thanks for this! I just love the Soledad almonds and can't find them in my town anymore.
ReplyDeleteWow you have a beautiful blog you have Angela! I'll have to take some time to look through it.
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you make any adjustments to the recipe to get it any closer to the store bought version. They are delish!
Thanks, Melody! I posted my adaptation to my blog today: http://hangingoutthewash.blogspot.com/2010/09/lick-temptation-while-licking-spoon.html
ReplyDeleteMu husband sent me the link to this post with the subject "we need to make some of these" so I did - right then! I had to make a few subs based on my pantry (used sesame seeds, figs & dates) adn I did add dashes of cinnamon adn cumin.
ReplyDeleteRoasted in the oven, and they are perfect! Sticky, crunchy, sweet, sour & savory. Wonderful little gems! Thank you so much for this recipe!!
A note for anyone not used to roasting dried fruit - it tends to harden a lot. I stirred mine in when my nuts were about 5 minutes from being done - just long enough to soften in the heat and absorb some of the sauce.