Once upon a time, I was in an airport. I was hungry in said airport (why? because I’m ALWAYS hungry, that’s why). So, I stopped in a charming little Hudson News boutique planning to buy a Luna bar.

“Planning to” are the operative words here because when I approached the checkout counter the clerk informed me that the bar was $3.95. Yes, four dollars for a granola bar. Honestly, does anyone like Luna bars that much?

Needless to say, I waited until I got in the plane and let the airline pretzels tide me over but my point here? Snacks are expensive. Good snacks are expensive. Even if you’re playing the grocery game, it will cost more to buy snacks, in most cases, than it will to make your own.

So, I did. Awhile back, Sahale Snacks sent me a stash of their new seasoned nuts and I was pretty addicted to their Tuscan amonds. They taste like pizza. I’m not kidding. If you think that sound gross, then you’re probably correct. But they’re addicting. Addicting, but not addicting enough to buy them every time I’m at the grocery store.

I did what any rational food writer would do and I made my own. They weren’t quite as good as Sahale’s; they didn’t taste quite like ‘za, but they had a unique parmesan flavor that paired surprisingly well with almonds.

Parmesan Almonds
Serves 8

What You Need:

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 egg whites
2 cups whole almonds

How-To:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Beat the egg white in a medium bowl with a wire wisk until peaks begin to form. Toss almonds in egg whites.

In another medium bowl, combine cheese, garlic powder, paprika and oregano. Toss almonds with spices until evenly coated. Spread into one layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, tossing every five minutes so the nuts roast evenly.

Let cool before serving.