Irresistibly Delicious Sweet and Spicy Nut Mix: The Perfect Holiday & Party Snack
Craving a snack that hits all the right notes? This Sweet and Spicy Nut Mix is a culinary masterpiece, combining the earthy goodness of cashews, pecans, and walnuts with an exquisite blend of warming spices. It’s a delightful dance of fiery cayenne pepper, aromatic cumin, and comforting sweet cinnamon, creating an utterly irresistible flavor profile. Whether you’re searching for a memorable holiday gift, a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, or simply a sophisticated snack to elevate your everyday, this homemade nut mix promises to deliver.
The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Heat
What truly sets this nut mix apart is its expertly crafted flavor profile. Each bite delivers an initial hint of sweetness from the cinnamon and sugar, quickly followed by a gentle, lingering warmth from the cayenne pepper and a savory depth from the cumin. It’s not just “spicy” for the sake of it; the heat is balanced and inviting, designed to intrigue your palate rather than overwhelm it. This unique combination makes it incredibly satisfying and keeps you coming back for more. We combine the creamy texture of cashews, the rich butteriness of pecans, and the slightly bitter crunch of walnuts to create a textural symphony that perfectly complements the bold flavors.
An Exquisite Edible Gift Idea
During the holiday season, or really any time of year, thoughtful homemade gifts are always appreciated. While I’ve previously shared a Candied Cinnamon and Sugar Nut Mix, this Sweet and Spicy Nut Mix offers a wonderful alternative for those who enjoy a little kick. It’s a gift that speaks volumes – showing effort, care, and a delicious appreciation for flavor. Imagine presenting a beautiful jar filled with these glistening, aromatic nuts; it’s a truly memorable present. Just be sure the recipient enjoys a touch of spice! This mix is perfect for Christmas gifts, hostess gifts, or even as a special treat for teachers, neighbors, and colleagues.
The Ultimate Party Appetizer or Festive Snack
Beyond being a fantastic gift, this Sweet and Spicy Nut Mix is an absolute must-have for any gathering. Planning a New Year’s Eve party? Hosting a casual get-together with friends? This savory-sweet snack will be the star of your appetizer spread. It’s incredibly easy to prepare in advance, allowing you more time to enjoy your guests without last-minute kitchen stress. Simply set out a bowl, and watch as your guests eagerly reach for handful after handful. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages, from festive cocktails and fine wines to craft beers, making it a versatile addition to any menu.
Tips for Crafting the Perfect Spicy Candied Nuts
- Nut Variety is Key: While this recipe specifically calls for cashews, pecans, and walnuts, feel free to experiment. Almonds, pistachios, or even a mix of all your favorites would work wonderfully. Ensure they are raw and unsalted for best results.
- Even Coating: The egg white and water mixture is crucial for creating that perfectly crisp, evenly spiced coating. Whisk it until foamy to ensure it adheres well to all the nuts. Don’t skip this step!
- Low and Slow Baking: The two-stage baking process (starting at 250°F, then reducing to 200°F) is essential for achieving a perfectly crisp texture without burning the nuts. It allows the flavors to meld and the coating to dry out gradually. Stirring every 15 minutes during the initial bake prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
- Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue here! Letting the nuts cool completely on the baking sheet ensures they become wonderfully crisp. They might seem slightly sticky when warm, but they’ll firm up beautifully as they cool.
- Customizing the Spice: This recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a noticeable but balanced kick. If you prefer more heat, gradually increase the cayenne. For a milder version, you can reduce it or even omit it if serving to very sensitive palates. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Storage: Once completely cooled, store your Sweet and Spicy Nut Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for several weeks, making it an excellent make-ahead option.
As the busy season unfolds, I always cherish moments with family and friends. This year, my family is particularly excited as my sister is expecting her first baby. We’re all eagerly anticipating the newest addition, hoping for the greatest gift of all around Christmas Day! My son, Will, can’t wait to have another cousin, and I’m thrilled to become an aunt to a little girl. Creating delicious treats like this nut mix is just one way we love to share joy and celebrate.
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Sweet and Spicy Nut Mix
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Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 cup pecans
- 2 cups cashews
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
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In a medium bowl beat together the egg white with 1 Tablespoon water until foamy.
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Add all nuts, sugar, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon salt and mix well. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly.
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Bake until the nuts are mostly dry but still slightly sticky, about 40-45 minutes stirring every 15 minutes.
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Remove the nuts from the oven and stir. Reduce the temperature to 200 degrees. Return the nuts to the oven and bake until crisp, about 30 more minutes.
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Remove from the oven and stir to loosen the nuts from the baking sheet; cool completely on the sheet.
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You can keep these in an air tight container for a few weeks.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Recipe adapted from Food Network
Cheers to a happy holiday, safe travels and lots of delicious food!! 🙂
Julia