Lunch Box: Raw Almond & Dried Apricot Sandwich with Honey

The wife and I keep a giant tub o' almonds in the cupboard at all times. They give a nice boost to a blue cheese salad, they are wonderful in couscous, and they are one of the best snacks you can grab on the go. We have all heard about the health benefits of raw almonds, so I decided to come up with another great way to enjoy them. I hate to see people count them out, and take them as if they are medicine. Just because they are healthy doesn't mean you can't enjoy them. I developed this grown up version of the classic PB&J that substitutes raw almond butter for the peanut butter and chopped dried apricots for the jelly. I add a hit of sweetness with a little local honey. If you have a food processor this takes not time at all.

For the raw almond butter:

a handful or two of raw almonds

a tablespoon or so of canola oil

sea salt to taste

For the chopped dried apricots:

a handful or two of dried apricots

a tablespoon or two of water

Throw the almonds into the food processor, and turn it on. Let it go for about a minute until the almonds are finely chopped. Add the oil, and a pinch of sea salt. Start it back up, and allow it to run until the powder turns into a paste. You will know it when it happens. Transfer the almond paste to a tupperware, and clean out the food processor. Add the apricots and water to the food processor, and pulse until the fruit is chopped. The dried fruit will absorb the water. Assemble the sandwich. Spread almond butter on one slice of toasted rustic bread, and spread the apricots on another slice. Drizzle with honey, slap it together, and enjoy.