Sweet, Spicy and *Hot* Almonds

I'm a huge fan of nuts. Ha ha..but really. In a vegetarian diet they are a great source of protein and healthy fats, and are really my go-to snack that keeps me full and happy for long periods of time. My mom always used to make spiced nuts around Christmas time, so I felt like I should try to assume that role and make them myself this year. Here is my little foray into the world of spiced nuts!

Sweet, Spicy and *Hot* Almonds:
1.5 Cups almonds
1 Egg white
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 dark brown sugar
2 Tsp Cinnamon
1/2 Tsp powdered Ginger
1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 300 Fahrenheit, and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Separate egg white into a medium bowl. Beat until the egg whites are frothy and whipped, so they are just starting to form peaks.
3. In a separate bowl combine the sugars and spices, mix thoroughly.
4. Pour almonds into the whipped egg whites and coat them evenly
5. Pour the sugar mixture into the bowl with the almonds and mix till all almonds have an even coating of the sugar.
6. Pour almonds onto the cookie sheet, making sure that they are spread out into 1 even layer.
7. Bake for 15 minutes, take out and stir almonds, then bake another 15 minutes. Take them out, and let them -thoroughly- cool! Enjoy!

Health Benefits!!
Almonds- considered a brain food as they contain many brain developing nutrients, almonds are full of healthy fats that regulate cholesterol and are good for the heart. They are also very high in protein, potassium, folic acid, and fiber.
Cinnamon- lowers blood sugar levels, increases insulin production helping prevent type 2 diabetes, has an anti-clotting effect on the blood, smelling cinnamon alone improves cognitive functioning, fights E.Coli bacteria, has been shown to alleviate headache
Cayenne- Has anti-irritating effects, relieving stomach ache, ulcers, soar throats and more. Aids in breaking up and moving excess mucus (such as from colds) stimulates digestion and relieves digestive gas, it is a circulatory stimulant which helps rid the body of toxins.

Sources:
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/health-benefits-of-almonds.html
http://www.organicauthority.com/health/11-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/benefits-of-cayenne-pepper/