Mood Food “ChefNurse” Ellen Minier teaches us two healthy and fun recipes using three items found in many kitchen pantries: Almonds, cumin, and chickpeas. Studies have found brain benefits from eating all three of these items and they’re tasty too.

Watch the video above to learn more about how these foods can boost your mood, as well as your physical and mental health, and read below for the recipes.

Smoky Maple Almonds

• 3 cups raw almonds
• 1 egg white
• 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 Tablespoon maple sugar (or can use 2 TBS maple syrup)
• ½ teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

 

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Whisk egg white in a medium bowl until frothy. Add maple sugar, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, and smoked paprika and whisk until combined. Stir in almonds until completely coated.
3. Spread mixture in a single layer onto a sheet pan lined with foil (spray the foil well with cooking spray or lightly coat the tin foil with olive oil) or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
4. Toast almonds in the oven for 20 minutes (don’t forget to set your timer!) Stir, return to oven for about another 10 minutes. Stir again and let cool completely.
5. Pack in 1 oz portions and enjoy!

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

• Two 16-oz cans chickpeas
• 1 Tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 teaspoons Cumin
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

 

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Drain and rinse chickpeas and dry them on a clean kitchen towel. Place on a sheet pan lined with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3. Drizzle olive oil over chickpeas
4. Sprinkle with spices and give the pan a shake to coat evenly
5. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes then give the pan a shake. Keep checking on them every 10 minutes or so until crispy.
6. Let cool and enjoy!