Sweet & Spicy Nuts
Makes 4 cups
The only problem with these nuts is that they’re addictive! A classic cinnamon-sugar flavor complements the nuts to perfection. We used half granulated white sugar and half brown sugar. The brown sugar offers a unique caramel touch that just makes these nuts even better. The spicy component is subtle – just enough to heighten the other flavors, but if it seems contrary to your purposes, halve the amount of cayenne or eliminate altogether.
Ingredients:
4 cups nuts (a single nut or a mixture of almonds, pecan, and walnuts)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 large egg whites (about 2 tablespoons)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions:
(1) Preheat the oven to 300°F. Using a rimmed half-sheet baking pan; line it with parchment paper.
(2) Drizzle the melted butter over the nuts. Toss to coat. Set aside and allow the nuts to absorb the butter.
(3) Whisk the egg whites until very frothy. No need to whip to soft or firm peaks – just a vigorous hand-whisking is all that’s necessary.
(4) In a small bowl, mix together the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt until evenly distributed.
(5) Pour the sugar-spice mixture into the frothy egg whites. Add the buttered nuts and toss to coat. Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on the prepared pan.
(6) Bake in the oven for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes. The mixture will be quite wet at this stage, but will become drier as it bakes. The nuts are done when the coating is a nice golden brown and wonderful aromas fill the kitchen. The coating will continue to harden and crisp once out of the oven as it cools.
(7) Place the pan on a cooling rack. Allow the nuts to cool down for 5 minutes, then break apart, and gently toss. Allow cooling to continue while periodically moving the nuts around. Once completely cooled, package or store in an airtight container. |
