Nuts. So addicting, so satisfying, so dangerous to be left alone with, yet perfect to serve at a party where many eyes will take note of the half dozen handfuls you hastily attempt to consume. Sometimes you have to carefully crowdsource your snacking …
Whether you’re throwing a Super Bowl Party this Sunday (*Yawn* Whatever. Without Tom Brady I have zero interest in this game) or just looking for a quick and easy side to add to a friendly cocktail soiree these savory nuts are the perfect accompaniment to your favorite wine or beer.
Flavorful cumin, garlic, curry, and cayenne pepper mixed with sugar, cardamon, and cinnamon brings out just the right amount of heat and sweet in this crunchy treat. I should just warn you now that you’re probably going to need to make a double batch.
PS: Be honest. Who else always hears Edie Falco’s voice blabbing about her new Porsche in the final season of The Sopranos whenever they see the word cayenne? “It’s a Cayenne — like the pepper!” Oh Carmela…
Spiced Cocktail Nuts
Originally published by Giada De Laurentiis on The Food Network
Vegetable cooking spray
2 egg whites
2 cups roasted and salted almonds
2 cups roasted and salted cashew nuts
2 cups walnut halves
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet, liberally, with vegetable cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Add the nuts and stir until coated. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, curry powder, cumin, garlic salt, cayenne pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the nuts and toss until coated. Arrange the nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes until golden and fragrant. Cool for 1 hour.
Using a metal spatula, remove the nuts from the baking sheet. Break the nuts into bite- sized pieces and place in serving bowls.