I first tasted these divine little morsels at a local restaurant and was so smitten that I made them the very next day for my family.

They were a huge and instant hit. Now we try to keep a bowl on hand for guests to snack on, but somehow they keep disappearing!

Almonds lower bad cholesterol and they’re high in protein, a perfect gift for those trying to cut back on carbs this year. These are flavored with garlic and rosemary and made with healthful olive oil. All this, and they’re really fast and easy to make. Put them in a pretty jar, and you have a gift that will make your friends very, very happy.

INGREDIENTS (may be doubled, tripled, or whatever)

1 cup whole shelled almonds
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Sea salt to taste

1. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add other ingredients and saute, stirring often, until almonds are fragrant and lightly toasted.

2. May be served warm, or will keep stored in airtight container, for several days.