eat make read

If you’ve been reading this blog for awhile you’ll probably have noticed I’m a fan of party nuts. While they’re great for parties, they also work well for picnics… they’re easy to transport and don’t require utensils. I mean, what more could you ask for? This particular variety is really quite delicious. They have some of my favorite flavors all wrapped up in one bite, sweet, spicy and nutty.

This recipe does require a little time and effort, but nothing over the top and it definitely pays off in the end. You start out by melting sugar, then adding a bit of butter which creates your candy coating. It’ll be nice and gooey enabling it to coat all the nuts. In order to make it crunch, the nuts have to go into the oven to harden up. After about 15 minutes they’ll be ready to toss with the spices.

The result is this perfect little candied bundle of goodness. The candied coating creates this lovely crunchy and sweet armour around the nut. The spices add a zing of hot and salty every now and then that makes it a perfect contrast to the crunchy coating. Pack them up in a little jar and bring them along to your next get-together and you might just find it hard to keep your hands away. They’re pretty addictive.

paige’s hot peppered candied nuts
from party nuts by sally sampson
makes 2 cups

3/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups raw walnuts
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 350° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

1
Place 3/4 cup sugar in a medium pot and cook over high heat, stirring until it turns a light caramel color, 4-5 minutes. Add the butter and stir until melted. Add the nuts and stir to coat evenly with the mixture.
2
Transfer the nuts to the prepared sheet and arrange in a single layer. Place in the oven and bake, tossing every 5 minutes, until the nuts are toasted, about 15 minutes. Watch closely.
3
Remove from the oven and pour the hot nuts into a medium bowl. Add the salt, cumin, black pepper, cayenne pepper and remaining 2 Tablespoons sugar and quickly toss the nuts to coat them evenly.
4
Immediately transfer to another baking sheet lines with parchment paper and separate the individual nuts with a fork. Cool completely before serving.