Spiced Nut Mix

Does spiced nut snack mix count as baking? Sure, why not! It goes in the oven! And this recipe is by an extraordinary baker, David Lebovitz. And I like it! Those are some pretty good reasons. Preparing flavored, spiced nuts is simple, and they make a great hospitality gift when you're invited to a dinner party, or to serve at your own dinner party. People like to nosh while they schmooze, so let's give them something to nosh on!

Spiced Nut Mix aka Melange de Noix Epicees
Recipe by David Lebovitz in The Sweet Life in Paris
Makes 4 cups

2 cups (275 g) raw nuts - any combination of pecans, almonds, peanuts, cashews, and hazelnuts
1 tablespoon (15 g) salted or unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons (45 g) dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
2 cups (100 g) small pretzel twists

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, chili powder, maple syrup, and cocoa.

3. Stir the warm nuts into the spice mixture to coat them completely, then sprinkle on the salt.

4. Mix in the pretzels, then spread the mixture on the baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the nuts are well-glazed and browned. Remove from the oven and cool completely. Once cool, break up the clusters and serve.

Storage: The nuts can be stored in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to five days.


Step-by-Step in Pictures

Spread the nuts out on a baking sheet and toast them for 10 minutes at 350 degrees...

In a bowl, blend together the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, chili powder, maple syrup, and cocoa...

Pour the toasted nuts into the spice mixture...

Stir to cover all of the nuts with the spices...

Add the salt...

Add in the pretzels...

Stir until the pretzels are well-coated with the spice mixture...

Spread the nuts and pretzels onto the baking sheet...

Bake for about 15 minutes at 350 until they have a nice glaze on them...

Ready for snacking!