This recipe for seasoned/spiced mixed nuts is so easy, and makes for a great snack to have on hand for yourself, when guests pop by, and, can work well to give as a gift for someone else!
Ingredients:
1/2 c. Cashews, raw
1/2 c. Almond, raw
1/2 c. Pecan halves, raw
Salt to taste(see note below)*
Seasonings to taste(see below)
Non-stick cooking spray
For team savory: use any seasoning blend that you enjoy! I used a combination of salt pepper, garlic, onion, oregano, rosemary, crushed red chili flakes, and paprika, however, you can absolutely use an already made seasoning blend that appeals to you.
For team spicy and sweet: you will need 2 tbsp. maple syrup, 1/2 tsp.-1 tsp. of vanilla and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Feel free to spice it up a little more with seasonings and herbs you enjoy. I have seen some recipes that use curry powder, rosemary, cinnamon, or chile powder...taste and see what you may enjoy to make it your own!
*Note: if using a seasoning blend that already has salt in it, you most likely will not need to add salt. Give the mixed nuts a taste, after they have been sprinkled with your seasoning blend, to see if they need anything else.
Method:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
For team savory: spread the mixed nuts onto a baking sheet. Spray the nuts with non-stick cooking spray, sprinkle with whatever seasonings you are using and give a toss to evenly distribute throughout out. Make sure the nuts are spread out in an even layer, before placing in the oven to bake.
For team spicy and sweet: place the nuts in a bowl, add maple syrup, vanilla, salt and cayenne pepper to taste, and add any additional seasonings you may want to use. Spread out on prepared baking sheet, making sure the nuts are spread out in an even layer, before placing in the oven to bake.
Place the seasoned/spiced nuts in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, give them a stir, and continue to stir in 5 minute intervals, until almost no maple syrup remains (if team spicy and sweet) and the nuts are nicely golden. This will be about 20 to 25 minute total baking time in the oven.
Take the nuts out of the oven, give the nuts a final stir, sprerading them into an even layer. For team spicy and sweet: the maple syrup may still be a little tacky right out of the oven, however, they will harden as the nuts cool.
Let the nuts cool down on the pan, outside of the oven, for about 10 minutes. For team spicy and sweet: break up any nuts that may be clumping or sticking together.
When the nuts are completely cool, place in a mason jar and keep on hand to use.
Enjoy as a snack, as is, top your favorite salads with, add them to yogurt or a fruit and yogurt parfait, incorporate into a trail mix, or give as a gift to a friend. How might you use these seasoned/spiced nuts mix?
Let me know what you think, comment below and leave a reply!
Enjoy!
