How do you pronounce the word “almond”? Just like “salmon,” right? English makes so much sense. ‘Merica. I grew up pronouncing almond like salmon. My Grandpa Allen was an almond farmer, and that’s the way he (and many other almond farmers in the Central Valley) said it. Why? We may never know, but my mother, who grew up surrounded by almond orchards, still hasn’t kicked the habit. She’s always shocked when she hears any of her children pronouncing it the “wrong way.”
My Grandpa Allen always sold his almonds to Blue Diamond, so when they approached me about doing a post together I was pretty stoked. Here, have some almonds (that could very well be from your own grandfather’s orchards!) and use them in a recipe. Okay, twist my arm. SO COOL.
Grandpa Allen is passed away, but I just called my Grandma who still lives in their house out in the orchards. She said that the farmer she leases the land to still sells to Blue Diamond. Pretty awesome.
They sent me a can of Honey Dijon Almonds, and the minute I tasted them I knew I wanted to pair them with tilapia, because tilapia + nut crust = amazing. And when you add in the honey dijon part, well, game over. Don’t skip the sauce, it only has a few ingredients but it packs a punch.
My friend Kate tried this the day I made it, and she loved it. I forgot to be nervous about offering her fish. Normally I would be, because she is from the coast of Maine and only likes fish that is freshly caught. If it’s tasty to a self-proclaimed fresh-fish snob, then I say we’ve found a winner! By the way, the creamy polenta is not mandatory, but highly recommended! I love polenta and always order it in restaurants, then wonder why I don’t make it at home. It’s super easy. P.S. I haven’t forgotten about the Cubanos I promised–they are coming Thursday! Thanks for all the support on my Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork, by the way. It already has over 11,000 pins on Pinterest! Crazy right? :)
Blue Diamond sent me a tin of Honey Roasted Cinnamon Almonds too. I ate the whole can in the time it has taken you to read this sentence. Some other recipes you might like: Grilled Tilapia with Corn Salsa: Honey Salmon with Brown Butter Lime Sauce: Beer-Battered Fish Tacos: Easy Parmesan Tilapia: Honey Lime Tilapia from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe Sweet and Spicy Tilapia from Farmgirl Gourmet This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that keep The Food Charlatan going! Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter
