Friday, December 3, 2010

FFWD: Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Nuts

 

I have two words for you regarding this recipe: Double it. I'm in love with the simplicity of this recipe and by how much these resemble the cinnamon almonds that you find in the malls this time of year. This recipe is the perfect holiday snack: Quick to make and completely addicting.



In the bowl above you will see a variety of spices. I used cinnamon, Chinese five-spice powder and a pinch of cayenne. The original recipe called for chili powder, but I wasn't sure about that spice mixed with sugar.  But I'm more curious than skeptical about the combination, so I'll be trying it with my next batch(es).

 

Part of the greatness of this recipe is its flexibility. The nuts are a blank canvas; you can mix together any spice and/or herb mixture you want. I'm a big fan of aromatic spices and the five-spice powder is a perfect choice for the holidays with hints of ginger and anise.  I can't take the credit for this brilliant idea, though. It was taken from Dorie's bonne idée in the sidebar of Around My French Table. These are suggestions from the author for variations on the recipe. So really, you're getting at least double the recipes with this book. I love this feature of the cookbook. There's so much inspiration at your fingertips.

  

This is another recipe I'll be using often and sharing with friends and family. What could be a more perfect gift than these sparkling, spicy and sweet nuts? I know I would be overjoyed to see these in my stocking on Christmas Eve, which was when my family always exchanged presents. It's a great tradition. I now direct you to French Fridays with Dorie, where you can see what everyone else chose to make. I'm looking forward to seeing what flavor combinations the others picked for their Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Nuts.


10 comments:

  1. They look great! They look like they are so easy to do which is a good thing during the busy holidays. I have some Chinese Five spice, so I will have to use it with this recipe.

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  2. Your nuts look terrific! I made them following the original recipe and the chili powder was terrific! (I also doubled the recipe...thank goodness, they were gobbled up in no time). I'm looking forward to trying different combinations.

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  3. They look perfect! Mine came out of the oven in a big dark puddle. :(

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  4. I was struck by the simplicity and ease of customization as well. I think a lot of us will be revisiting this one frequently.
    Trevor Sis. Boom.

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  5. Nice job - I think I'll use 5 spice powder next time.

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  6. Yes, good tip to double this recipe. And, chili powder often goes great with "sweet". We, here in AZ, love sweet with spice. For example, Mexican brownies or chocolate cake sport some cayenne or chili powder as well as cinnamon. Appreciate all the notes as I will be making this soon.

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  7. Reading all the posts about the nuts, I am getting antsy to make them! But what combination of spices to choose? That one is going to be tough...
    I think that I'll have to make them several times and use my husband and father as guinea pigs (like they are going to rebel!)
    Nice photos:)

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  8. Agreed! I made a single batch and my poor man only got one, ONE! nut,before I polished them off. Whoops.

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  9. I've always wanted to try a spiced nut for the holidays. It seems like people really like them. The recipes always seem so easy that I'm surprised more people do not make them. I'm not sure what combination of spices I would use. Chinese 5 spice seems a bit much, plus, I don't care for anything too spicy. What other flavors have you tried? Do you buy the unsalted or salted nuts and what combination of nuts do you use? I'm excited to experiment now! It will also be fun to find some really festive packaging for the nuts.

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  10. Philippine pili nuts from the Bicol region in the Philippines is a great Filipino or Philippines food or snack. Pili nuts are very healthy and nutritious indeed, being a source of energy, potassium and iron. They also have protein, dietary fiber / fibre, and calcium as well as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. I know they have no cholesterol, no trans fat, and the unsalted ones have no sodium. What is great about the pili nut snack or treat is that they are so crisp, rich, and delicious.

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