Almond Cheese Bites

Ingredients

In this fusion adaptation, we have taken the traditional Portuguese queijinhos de amêndoa and added a twist of international flavors. The original recipe typically uses almonds, sugar, and eggs to create a sweet dessert. However, in this fusion version, we have transformed it into a savory appetizer by incorporating cheese and spices into the filling. The crispy coating adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, making it a unique and delicious fusion dish. We alse have the original recipe for Queijinhos de amêndoa, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (100g) ground almonds 1 cup (100g) ground almonds
• 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, grated cheese, milk, flour, eggs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until a thick and creamy filling is formed.
2. 2.
   Take small portions of the filling and shape them into bite-sized balls.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
4. 4.
   Carefully drop the almond cheese balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. 5.
   Serve the Almond Cheese Bites warm as an appetizer or snack.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for a smooth and creamy filling. If you can't find ground almonds, you can grind whole almonds in a food processor until fine.
• Cheese — Opt for a cheese with a mild flavor that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
• Milk — You can use any type of milk, including dairy or plant-based alternatives, based on your dietary preferences.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
• Serve the Almond Cheese Bites with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as marinara sauce or garlic aioli.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the almond cheese bites in the oven instead of frying them. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Almond Cheese Bites as an appetizer at parties or gatherings. They can also be enjoyed as a snack or paired with a fresh salad for a light meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Almond Cheese Bites on a platter or wooden board, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. The golden brown color of the bites against the green herbs will create an appealing visual contrast.