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Health & Fitness

Fresh Vibes: The Almond Bro of Your Dreams

Move over hummus! There's a new spread in town that's almond based and a taste sensation available in Wasabi, Garlic, Habañero, Tomato Basil plus more foodie spins.

I met the almond brother of my dreams at the market .... No, not as
in Allman Brothers and 60s band but the fabulous almond taste sensation guru from Fallbrook. His company, Conscious Foods, distributes Amygdala almond- based spreads at the Huntington Harbor Farmer’s Market at Peter's Landing.

Michelle and I are always seeking delicious, healthy foods that our
kids will appreciate and without wrinkled noses. It’s happenstance that I met Adam Shockey at his booth on Saturday, but I could not have been more excited. He was selling tubs of enchanting almond creations, and I left loaded up with
Original flavor, plus Wasabi, Garlic, and Habañero too.

Adam smiled proudly when I revealed, after sample tastings, how
much I loved his savory almond dips and that I was an established “Healthie” (my
self-given nickname as a “Foodie” but with a HEALTHY spin).  He then revealed that his company was just a few days away from launching its spread products at Bristol Farms. Starting at local farmers markets, his spreads have found appeal with small shops and retail markets, and now with much larger Bristol Farms. Though he’s not at the LBC farmers markets yet, it’s in his plans.

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While we were chatting, I noted that each of my family members was
trying out different spread flavors with interest. This company is onto something special here! Let me admit that almond butter sandwiches with slathers of honey or jam do not get past the first bite before my kids toss them (usually at the school lunch benches where they think I won’t find out).

I saw that I could serve these spreads without going undercover. Think: as dip with pita chips or vegetable sticks, as a condiment for a fish entrée, even as unique pasta accompaniment if you’re looking for a vegetarian source of protein. Serving sizes are small as it’s very rich. Adam assured me the tubs will last 4-5 weeks in the fridge because they use Grape Seed Oil which he says acts as a natural preservative. The almond is amazingly nutritious and alkalizing, and Conscious Foods’ spreads have taken it to an all new fabulous-tasting level!

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So I know they’re not Belmont Shore local yet, but I promise it’s worth the short Saturday morning excursion to the HHFM. Plus there’s a bonus for the kids: the market hosts a charming and clean petting zoo. They had baby bunnies, guinea pigs, pot belly pigs, fluffy chickens, and the most affectionate baby goats I have ever spent time with. It was a highlight I highly recommend!

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