Perfect for the holidays, this fragrant, spicy mixture goes great with a cocktail or a beer and makes a great gift if wrapped in a pretty, airtight package. You can include any nuts—choose your favorites—just make sure that they are fresh and raw.

Spiced Mixed Nuts

Category

Category name

Serves

8-10

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
  • 4 cups unsalted, raw nuts, such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, and pecans
  • 3 teaspoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fennel seed
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter with the rosemary or thyme over medium heat. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool, about 2 minutes.
  3. Spread the mixed nuts on a large, rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with the infused butter and the maple syrup. Toss to coat.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the fennel seed, chili flakes, kosher salt, garlic powder and black pepper and mix well. You can also combine the spices in a spice grinder and blend into a powder. Sprinkle the mixture over the nuts and toss well to coat. It will look like a lot of spice mix, but don’t worry, it is the right amount.
  5. Bake, tossing every 5 minutes to make sure the nuts roast evenly (they should be fragrant and toasted), 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely before serving, about 20 minutes. The cooled nuts can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month. Enjoy!