These delicious, energizing, and gluten-free Almond Pecan Bites are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or mid-morning snack. They are so tasty and satisfying and sure to be a hit with family and friends.
A few Fridays ago, while I was at work, I got a call that just about every parent dreads…
It started off with “mommy…” – now I know when my 16-year-old reverts back to calling me “mommy”, I need to brace myself…
She went on to tell me that she had been in an accident by a mall close to home; my first question was if she was ok…and, a steady voice that didn’t quite sound like hers, replied “yes”; when I asked her what happened, she said she had hit a curb!
Hit a curb? Now, I have hit my fair share of curbs, but, they were never classified as “accidents”…I was worried and frustrated, and … I could only imagine how she felt when she went onto say that mall security and a county cop were at the scene.
When I got to her, I saw that she had indeed hit a curb – so incredibly hard! Fortunately, she had missed hitting a pole nearby, but had hit a raised flower bed and her car sat at almost a 30-degree angle, with the front end up on the flower bed. Fortunately, while the car was horribly damaged, she was ok. She had called the insurance company and the motor club we belong to, and, a tow truck was on it’s way.
When I got out of my car, there were a million things I wanted to say …”what were you thinking?” …”haven’t we practiced missing a turn and going straight and turning around later?”… But, as I walked to her, she broke down and kept on saying how sorry she was.
Just prior to this, after she started driving her own little car, I felt we were drifting – our relationship had begun to change. Some friends said she was just growing up, that she needed her independence – so I pulled back. Even though it didn’t feel right…I did my best to accept that this might be yet another stage on this journey to adulthood.
Then the accident happened…and, as we waited for the tow truck to come, we sat and talked… and I realized I wasn’t the only one who had noticed the drifting…she had too. She said she didn’t know how to fix it…how to go back…
I am a strong believer in that everything happens for a reason – no matter the expense, no matter the damage. God has a way of working things out, of bringing us closer to Him and each other.
And, the reasons are not for all to see or know.
But, I want my daughter to know that there is no changing what has happened, no amount of “should’ve”, “could’ve”, or “would’ve”, would undo what’s done – but, the future is a blank canvas – full of possibility; and I want her to look to it without regret, without fear, without bitterness, but with lessons learned.
We have been doing a lot of talking about this – and taking and eating seem to go hand in hand – at least for me!
So I whipped up these Almond & Pecan Bites as a treat. And I must say, these were not only a delicious pre-walk treat, but, I think these were the reason we were still walking and talking while our dogs were tuckered out!
Ingredients
FOR THE BITES
- 1 3/4 cups pecans or 1 cup pecan butter
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup gluten-free flour I used Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 baking flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
FOR THE GLAZE
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- FOR THE BITES
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- Add the pecans to a blender or food processor and process till pecans are pecan butter
- Mix all ingredients (including the pecan butter) together and form them into bite-sized shapes
- Bake for 15 minutes
- Take out and let cool
- FOR THE GLAZE
- Add all the ingredients to a pan over a low flame
- Let almond butter and coconut oil and a honey melt and mingle
- Stir well and then pour over the bites.
- Enjoy!
bobby and I are trying to work more nuts into our diet to replace some of the meat we eat and this is an excellent snack/breakfast! I buy my pecans in bulk so I have lots of them, but I do need some almond butter. Thanks for such a great mouthful of goodness!
These look like a really great snack. Glad your daughter is okay. I’m a big believer in things happening for a reason as well.
Thanks so much Salma!
Hi, I am so glad your daughter is OK and that ‘the drift’ is being talked about. It is very important for a mother to know that no matter what your child will turn to you. I have a question about the bites. Can I use potato starch instead of the gluten-free flour, or maybe coconut flour? Thank you
Thank you so much!
To answer your question, I have never worked with potato starch so I am sorry, but I am not sure ho it would work in this. As for coconut flour – coconut flour absorbs a lot of moisture – I am not sure if it would work best in this – if you had rice flour, I think that would be a good substitute or even ground up oats -aka oat flour. Hope this helps.
Thanks again so much for stopping by and commenting.
I’m so glad you’re daughter is okay, Shashi. What a scare!!
Thanks Marissa!
I am so happy your daughter is okay. Driving and being sixteen… what every parent dreads. My niece just go her permit up here. She waited and she’s 17, but I’m still freaked out about her being on the road. It’s good there was a silver lining in your story and it’s brought you and your daughter closer together. My son is almost 11 and sometimes I feel him drifting and pushing me away. He doesn’t like hugs anymore. 🙁 Maybe I can bribe him with a few of these almond pecan bites. 🙂
Haha – yes, Ramona – I think these might work well in bribing him! 🙂
Seriously, thanks so much for your kind words – funny thing is I wasn’t too freaked out about my daughter driving before – but now I am!
I could feast on these almond pecan bites 😛
Thank you Taruna!
Mother-daughter relationships are so strong, nothing will ever break the bond. I was incredibly close to my mom growing up, and even though she has Alzheimer’s now, I still tell her everything (even if she won’t remember it) because she’s my mama and in my heart she’ll always be my favourite person in the world. I’m glad your daughter is okay! Enjoy all the time you have with her before she has to go off to college! Happy Friday, Shashi 🙂
Oh Genevieve you are such a good daughter – I am sorry to hear about your mom’s Alzheimer’s…my dad had dementia brought on by congestive heart failure and while the two are not the same – I can empathize.
I’m so glad to know that your daughter is okay Shashi, take care!
Thanks Manali!
Oh my goodness I am so glad that she is okay! And I’m also really glad that because of it you were able to talk about everything too – it always amazes me how things happen for a reason.
And of course these little bites sound fantastic! Exactly my kind of snack!
Thanks so much Ashley!
Glad to know your daughter is okay. These bites look amazing!
Thanks Asmita!
I’ve never seen someone do “baked” bites!
And now you have 🙂
I’m so glad your daughter is ok Shashi! These almond bites look so good!
Thanks so much Mira!
I’m glad your daughter’s okay and that the accident had a way of working your relationship back out!
Thank you so much Olivia
OMG I’m so glad she’s okay! It was great that you could reconnect though – and sounds like a delicious way to do it!
Thanks Tara = it sure was a delicious way indeed! 😉
Aw i’m so glad she’s okay! I’m 17 and I’ve only been driving for the better part of a year, and that situation is a nightmare for both the parent and the kid! These treats sound like the way to make everything better 🙂
Thank you so much Medha – you are right about the nightmare part!
Sorry it took an accident to shake things up. At least cars can be mended and your daughter was okay 🙂
Tandy – you are so right!
Oh Sashi, I am so so glad she is Ok. I can totally understand your dilemma. I would be super freaked too, but they do learn from their mistakes and you are great great mom for understanding the situation. You did absolutely the right thing and I’m so glad she is OK Sashi.
Again, sometimes the worst of situations makes us realize a lot of things and things turn out for the better.
Love you and hugs to your daughter. Stay calm and safe.
Awww, Asha thanks so much for your kind words – Lots of love to you too, my sweet friend!
I’m so glad your daughter is okay (my parents wouldn’t let me drive for ages, so I actually didn’t get my license til I was 22.5 ._.), and although it was a bad accident, I like to look for the silver linings, so I’m glad that it at least brought you two closer and giving you both a chance to reconnect again!
+ hooray for those delicious lookin’ treats! <3
Farrah – I am a huge fan of those silver linings 😉
I have to say, I was 22 when I started driving too! For me – I never learned when I lived in the middle east as it was so easy to get around town there – but it’s not the same here – I actually saved up after college and paid for driving lessons myself – I thought I was the only one who started driving in my 20’s..till now!
You’re definitely not! My friend/temporary roommate didn’t get hers til she was 23! At least we can always use that for “Never have I ever” games? :O
My undergrad was superrrr super bike-friendly, so I walked/biked everywhere for my 4 years there. I’d love to live in a place like that again! It’d be so much better for the environment, I’d get built-in exercise, would get to enjoy the outdoors…sigh!!
So glad your daughter is alright! How scary for you. I’m a big believer of looking for the positive in every situation. As awful as my son’s cancer diagnosis was in 2013, it has brought us much closer as a family and taught us to cherish each day we are given.
Totally love these almond pecan bites!
Christin – thank you! You are truly inspiring – I remember reading some of your posts just after – what a source of strength and inspiration you are – to your family and us!
xx
What a sweet story, so happy she wasn’t hurt. You are a great mom and this sweet treat was a great way to end the story!
Aww-thanks so much Chris! Your kind words are much appreciated.
I can’t imagine how you were feeling! My girl is not even 3 yet but I think I’ll go a little crazy the day she starts driving! So glad she’s okay 🙂
Thanks so much Ashley! I am so glad she is okay too! Oh my gawsh – I remeber when my daughter was 3 – funny thing, it feels like it was just yesterday!
I’m so happy to hear your daughter is okay. I definitely believe that everything happens for a reason and hopefully you both get close again. *hugs*
These little bites sound perfect!
Thanks so much Kelly! Sending hugs your way too, sweet friend.
and now i am totallyyyyyyy craving some cinnamon balls.
Give in – don’t fight that craving….. 🙂
Glad to hear everyone is ok! Everything does happen for a reason. Sometimes we may not understand or particularly like the reasons… but they are there.
Couldn’t agree more, Chris! Thank you.
These look fantastic and its small portions are guilt-free! So yum!
Haha – true, true! Thanks Denise!
Shashi, you’re making me all emotional this morning. . how old is your daughter again? and is your relationship better now? I dread the day when my oldest starts driving and even when she enters adolescence. . hopefully there won’t be drama but what am I saying. She’ll be a hormonal teenager! I love the stories about you and your daughter because I have two . . and the reminder to establish that bond early so it will hopefully stick! anyway, glad everyone was ok. . and love these almond pecan bites!
Alice, my daughter is 16 – we have always had a better relationship than I could have ever dreamed – but, things changed a tad – My daughter doesn’t stir up a lot of drama – but she was on an independent streak, stronger than normal – but we are good again. You are so right – establishing a bond early on is crucial – my daughter has been a mama’s girl since before she could talk – so that has helped us be and stay close – as hopefully, you and your daughter are and always will be!
That is such a great story. I love how God takes our accidents and failures and turns them around for good. All the time….because He is good.
I’m sure you are so grateful for the opportunity to connect with her in a whole new way.
Have a beautiful day!
Melanie – you are so right – He is definitely good – always!
Hope you have a wonderful day too!
Shashi, this is the best post ever. Like I am so incredibly happy right now. Not because lil Shashi got in an accident (glad she’s ok!), but because you guys had the chance to reconnect. It happens with everyone. Parents. Friends. Spouses. But then you realize you miss the connection. I think you should sit down and watch some basketball with lil Shashi. I bet that will be some good bonding time. 🙂
Haha – David – thank you!
I was worried for a tad there – but Lil Shashi and I are good – infact, better than before! But, I think that’s the best part about reconnecting – huh?! 🙂
Oh, she gets me too – and I swear, I have tried – but only way I stay awake is if there’s food in-front of me!
im glad shes doing okay..its not uncommon for things to change a little bit (its just a phase trust me)..but i hope you guys get closer again. hugs.
Aww- thanks so much Dixya! xx
i love how this “snack” was more than a snack, but a conversation together. And they go great with tea or afternoon snacking. Yes to a BOLD future for her!
Thanks so much Lindsay! xx
Well I’m glad to hear your daughter is okay (even though the car isn’t)!! I’m sure this will only serve to bring you two closer together again – silver lining?
You are most definitely right, Joanne – silver lining indeed!
Shashi, this is a lovely post. My favourite part of it was, “the future is a blank canvas – full of possibility; and I want her to look to it without regret, without fear, without bitterness, but with lessons learned.” 🙂
Thanks so much Lorraine 🙂
I’m so relieved that your daughter is OK and I’m so impressed by your attitude in this whole thing. The ability to always look on the bright side of life is not very common and I applaud you for this.
You are a bright, articulate and insightful person, that’s why I love reading your blog.
PS the bites look incredible
Mike – thank you so much, my friend!
Awhile back I remember hearing this quote “Regret makes you old, and bitterness poisons the people around you” (think it was on a tv show or movie or something) – but, simply put, I love that quote – makes life so much more joyful 🙂
Oh my gosh.. I’m glad she’s ok! You’re awesome for looking at it positively and I definitely think you’re right–everything happens for a reason even if we don’t quite understand why. On another note, these balls look deliciousssssss!
Thanks so much Erin!
Oh goodness I am SO relieved that your daughter is doing ok, Shashi- how scared you both must have been! It’s amazing to see that you’ve looked at it from a positive light i.e. it brought you guys closer.
Drooling at these balls – love almond anything :)!
Thanks oodles Khushboo – I am glad she is okay – and, life is too short to be all focused on the negative.
A coworker passed away this past weekend – at 39 – from complications from diabetes – life is just too short – so, best put a smile on – right? 🙂
I’m so glad that your daughter is OK Shashi, that whole situation must have been a really nasty shock.
I so agree with your “being a strong believer in that everything happens for a reason – no matter the expense, no matter the damage.” Things like this event you’ve been through make us stronger. The main thing being nobody was hurt.
These bites do look delicious! I love anything nuts wise, my cupboard has jars of all kinds of nuts, they’re just so easy to scoop a handful when you need a quick healthy snack. 🙂
You are right, Neil – adversity has a way of knocking us down, but, when we can pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off – we definitely do find we are stronger!
Thank you so much! Enjoy your trip!
o my…that’s just dreadful. I am really relieved to know that she is fine, at least physically. She will be okay very soon. Bet from now on you will be the ONE who worries the most when she is on the way.
I always have a weakness for nutty treats. They look delish.
You are so right about the worrying, Angie!
Thank you so much!
Oh dear! That’s so awful. You both must have had such a shock. I’m so glad your daughter is okay – that’s the main thing. I know those phone calls – I’ve had more than my share! Your heart just about jumps out of your chest. It’s interesting how in Oz, you can’t drive until your 17 but you can drink at 18 and in the US, you can drive at 16 but you can’t drink until your 21 xx
Charlie – I wasn’t aware of the exact driving/drinking age in Oz – sometimes I think 17 is a better age for them to start driving – it’s amazing how much maturing happens between 16 and 17!
Thanks so much!
xx