Why is it that spiced nuts are usually saved for the holidays? They're delicious! Let's make a pact, here and now, to resolve to eat more spiced nuts on non-holiday days! Deal? Deal!
My mom made this recipe before Christmas for our holiday enjoyment and I'm fairly certain that it will become a new holiday favourite; in my case a non-holiday favourite too! The nuts had a perfect amount of coating and falvour, they didn't stick together at all, and looked beautiful in a tall mason jar.
Maple Spiced Nuts
4 cups of raw nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts and/or pecans) 6 Tbsp Real Maple Syrup 1 1/2 tsp salt 2 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp paprika 2 tsp lemon rind 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
Heat the oven to 300 F. Mix all the ingredients together except the nuts. In a large bowl measure out whichever nuts you choose to use and dump the maple syrup mixture on top. Spread the nuts out onto 2 baking sheets into a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then stir, bake another 10 minutes. If the nuts aren’t quite toasted add a couple of minutes to the timer. Be careful not to leave them too long. It happens quick. Remove from the oven and stir again and allow to cool for 5 minutes, stir again. If they are no longer sticking to themselves they are ready to be placed in a lovely bowl and served!