Snacking on nuts is a great way to beat the mid-afternoon slump. It's also a great party appetizer. (Photo: Sarah F. Berkowitz)Sweet and spicy nut mix
These party-perfect morsels kick those bland mixes right out of the bowl.
One of my favorite local juice bars serves a version of this sweet and spicy nut mix, but being the ambitious (and thrifty) type, I had to try to reproduce it at home. And would you look at that, it came out perfect!
The beauty of making your own (besides cost savings) is the ability to customize it to your tastes – more of your favorite nut, less of the one you try to avoid. You can also reduce the fat and calories of the overall mix by filling in with puffed rice – it’ll pick up the flavors of the cayenne, honey and cinnamon and help keep you from overdosing on the nuts.
But, if you’re going to eat high-fat foods – these are the ones you want! This snack is perfect to beat the mid-afternoon slump, or a high powered addition to an oatmeal or yogurt breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins or currants
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 325° F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix nuts, raisins and seeds in a medium bowl.
Add honey, salt, cinnamon and pepper and mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until all are coated.
Spread mixture onto parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove from oven, allow to cool, and then separate chunks. Mixture will be slightly sticky.
The mixture can be altered according to preference. (Photo: Sarah F. Berkowitz)
Related Topics: Appetizers, Entertaining
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