Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria are the three most famous Italian regions for the production of almonds, the dried fruit par excellence. Almonds can be eaten with and without their skins, on their own for a healthy snack or included in the preparation of delicious treats.
In all cases, their intake turns out to be extremely positive for the body. The almond itself is a fruit rich in vitamins and minerals, which promote the normal performance of body functions. The positive properties of almonds intervene on both the digestive and nervous systems, helping those who eat them to feel better immediately.
At the level of digestion, the presence of fiber reduces the response time of the intestine, helping it to speed up metabolism and the breakdown of elements. Magnesium, on the other hand, helps to reduce stress and fatigue, making almonds an excellent ally against the chaos of daily life.
According to some nutritionists, at least 3 almonds should be consumed daily in order to give the body an extra boost.
The nutritional values of almonds
Almonds are part of the “oil seeds,” known for their considerable amount of vitamins and minerals. In particular, they contain a high amount of vitamin E, Omega 3, magnesium and manganese. But let’s see specifically what are the nutritional values of almonds, taking into consideration a minimum sample of 30 g: – 3.5 g fiber
– 6 g protein
– 14 g fat
– 2.5 g carbohydrates
– 37% vitamin E
– 32% manganese
– 20 % magnesium
Almond sweets
Almond cakes are a typical Sicilian dish, known for its fragrance and crunchiness. A very simple dessert to prepare, they are well suited for all kinds of occasions, from a family party to a birthday among friends. Preparing them is really very simple, also because you will need very few ingredients.
Specifically, to prepare about fifteen cookies, you will need: 250 g almonds, 250 g sugar, 2 egg whites and 1 sachet of vanillin. To start you will need to blend the almonds and sugar in a kitchen mixer, making sure you get a fairly fine flour. Then add the vanillin and the two egg whites, continuing to mix until you reach a smooth, lump-free consistency. Move the dough inside a sac à poche with a star tip, and create your treats on a baking sheet previously lined with parchment paper.
If you like, you can decorate them with half a cherry, so that they look even more like their original version. Let them rest in the refrigerator for 12 hours and then bake them at 180 degrees for about 12 minutes. Take them out of the oven when they have browned perfectly, and are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
In addition to being very tasty, almond cakes are also aesthetically beautiful, simple but with a strong impact. By preparing them you will ensure the appreciation of all your guests.
