Roasted Nuts

This supereasy snack is great to make in large batches and store. Perfect to nibble on with a drink, or serve to friends who call in!
You can of course choose any combination of nuts you like, but I'm a fan of the almond/pecan mix.

Ingredients

100g Shelled Almonds
100g Blanched Almonds
100g Pecans
25g Real Butter
2 Tablespoons of Stevia or other sugar substitute
1 Teaspoon of Salt

Preheat the oven to 180/350 degrees.

Method

1. Put the butter in a bowl large enough to hold all the nuts and then melt in the microwave for 30 seconds.

2. Pour all the nuts into the melted butter mixture, ensuring the nuts are well coated. Sprinkle over the Stevia and salt and mix well.

3. Spread out on a baking tray and bake at 180/350 degrees for 30 minutes. Toss the nuts half way through cooking.

4. Allow to stand for a few minutes then serve warm, or store in an airtight container for a week.

Prefer your snacks salty to sweet, or vice versa? Don't be afraid to play with the sugar and salt ratios!

Feta, Olives & Peppers

One of the biggest challanges in switching to a low-carb diet is dealing with snacking habits.
While it's true that you feel full most of the time, there are times when you sit down to watch some TV and feel like having something to nibble on.

One of my favourite snacks is a mix of feta cheese, black olives and peppers from The Real Olive Company in The English Market. You can get one large scoop for about €3.50, and it goes perfectly with a glass of red wine.

Low Carb Breadless Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella Sticks are one of my favourite things, ever.
As a teenager my friend A and I would annoy the waiting staff in Captain America's on North Main Street by sitting in there for a whole afternoon and ordering only those golden breadcrumbed bites.

Thankfully, eating a low-carb diet doesn't mean having to give these up. Here is S's take on a brilliant starter or snack option.

Ingredients

1 Block of Mozzarella
2 Eggs
1/2 cup powdered Parmesan cheese
1-2 cups preferred cooking oil (vegetable/ sunflower oil is fine)
Garlic powder to taste
Salt to taste

Method

1. Cut mozzarella block into 'sticks'.

2. Whisk 2 eggs in a bowl.

3. Mix dry ingredients on a plate.

4. Dip the mozzarella sticks in the egg and roll in dry ingredients.

5. Re-dip the mozzarella sticks in the egg and repeat coating.

6. Place the sticks in a freezer for 30mins (This will prevent them leaking during frying).

(mozzarella sticks after freezing)

6. Heat the oil in a pan and deep fry the mozzarella sticks until golden brown. This should take 1-2 mins.

Serve with a dollop of sugar-free (diabetic) jam or a handful of fresh redcurrants.