Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee Season 4 Episode 8 Almonds

Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee season 4 episode 8 is named Almonds and explores the use of one of the most versatile and healthy nuts in cooking.

Host Sandra Lee begins the episode by introducing the nutritional benefits of almonds, which are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. She also explains how different forms of almonds, such as almond flour and almond milk, can be used to make a variety of dishes.

The first recipe Sandra demonstrates is an almond-crusted chicken dish. She shows how to make a simple breading using crushed almonds, panko breadcrumbs, and a few spices. She then cooks the chicken in a pan and explains how the almonds add a nutty flavor and crunch to the dish.

Next, Sandra prepares a quinoa salad with almonds and red grapes. She cooks quinoa on the stovetop and mixes it with chopped almonds, red grapes, and a simple vinaigrette dressing. She emphasizes the versatility of quinoa and how it can be used as a base for many different salads and dishes.

The third recipe in the episode is almond linguine, a pasta dish that uses almond milk instead of traditional cream sauce. Sandra shows how to cook the linguine and the sauce separately, then combine them with sautéed garlic, spinach, and sliced almonds. She notes that the almond milk adds richness and creaminess to the dish while also being a healthier alternative to cream.

After the pasta dish, Sandra switches gears and makes almond butter cups. She demonstrates how to make homemade almond butter using a food processor and then shows how to use it in a simple recipe for chocolate almond butter cups. She uses a silicone mold to create the cups and then fills them with melted chocolate and almond butter. She emphasizes the ease and convenience of making homemade almond butter and notes that it can be used in many sweet and savory recipes.

The final recipe of the episode is an almond tart with fruit. Sandra uses almond flour to make the crust and then fills it with a mixture of cream cheese and sliced almonds. She tops the tart with fresh fruit, such as raspberries and kiwi, and drizzles it with a honey glaze. She notes that the almond flour is gluten-free and adds a nutty flavor and texture to the crust.

Throughout the episode, Sandra emphasizes the health benefits of almonds and shows how easy it is to incorporate them into a variety of dishes. She also shares tips and tricks for working with different forms of almonds and encourages viewers to experiment with their own almond-based recipes. Overall, Almonds is a flavorful and informative episode that showcases the versatility and nutritional benefits of this popular nut.