FFwD – Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Nuts

It was so nice to have something relatively quick and easy to throw together this week!

For today’s French Fridays with Dorie I give you Sweet and Spicy Cocktail Nuts. 

And then I take them back, because they’re so good, and so addictive.

After reading past posts in which some of the other FFwD members wrote about eating the first batch in no time, I decided I should probably double the recipe right off the bat. 

I used half almonds and half walnuts.

So how simple is this?  Incredibly simple.  First, I mixed together the sugar and salt and the spices.  I changed the recipe slightly by using some cumin instead of all the chili powder called for.

Then I whipped the egg whites,

mixed them with the nuts,

and then added the sugar-and-spice-and-everything-nice mixture…

spread them out on my two parchment-lined cookie sheets…(and like a lot of people, I didn’t take the time to remove any excess egg white from the nuts, but next time, I think I will.  While I didn’t mind eating all the crispy bits of spiced egg white, I think the nuts will all look nicer without it.)

and then I baked them for about half an hour or so.  It might have been 40 minutes. 

And when I pulled them from the oven, it was just about time to pick up the kids at school that day, so I left them cooling on top of the stove.  When I came back, Bill had consumed a fair portion and was nodding his approval when I came in the door.

Alex didn’t like them, and I don’t remember what Julia’s opinion was, but Bill and I just kept eating them until I poured them in a container and shut the lid. 

That’s helping, sort of.

To see what everyone else did this week, head on over to the FFwD site and check out all the links!

Comments

[Candy Girl]

Looks great! I thought were pretty good but not my favorite spiced nut. I did take the time to drain each nut and didn't think it was worth the effort.

[Stephirey]

Oh, these look super yummy. I've already made them twice and they just keep disappearing. Glad they're a hit in your house too!

[Trevor Sis Boom]

I wish there was someone in my house who didn't like them so that there would be more for the rest of us. I've made these 5 times already.

[Cher]

They were good, weren't they. I am going to make a few of the variations to put in with my Christmas baskets. I found my first batch took way longer than the half hour - I am glad it wasn't just me.

[Flourchild]

WOW sounds like Bill was chowing down on the nuts!!! Im glad you all enjoyed..they were really good!

[Jessica of My Baking Heart]

They look wonderful! I loved these and will be making more next week for gifts! :)

[chocolatechic]

I loved these.

We have made them 3 times.

[Cakelaw]

I so agree - these were brilliant.

[Jessica]

Cumin - what a great idea. Good idea to double the batch!

[Elaine]

They look so crispy and crackly. I bet they are delicious with the cumin.

[Judy]

This is one of my favorites. I'll be making them again this weekend, and giving them away.

[Karen]

Yours look delicious! It was smart to double the recipe right off the bat!

[Lana]

I made the nuts, too, but cut the recipe in half - husband is allergic to almonds, the younger child does not like the whole nuts, and I wasn't sure if the older one will like all the spices. Now I regret it, because they are very addictive and I have eaten them all by myself:)
Back to the kitchen again, to make some more (and experience with new spice mixes). i like the idea of adding cumin - I used Chinese five spice blend, chili and a bit of cinnamon.

[Margaret]

Too many rave reviews to pass this one up. Guess I will make this week.

Like the idea of the cumin.

[steph@stephsbitebybite]

I am so eager to make this recipe! I was waiting for the moment that I have a lot of people pver so that I don't eat them all :) Your pictures look so yummy

[dorie]

I'm so happy that so many people -- including you! -- liked this recipe. It's an easy one, but I love that it's easy to play around with.

[Betsy]

I made these this week too. I agree they were so easy! And so delicious. I made them exactly per the recipe, but when I made them again (later this week), I'm going to play around! I'd like them a little spicer.

[Ann (napangel)]

Great photos! I loved these nuts too. (And is that serving bowl shaped like a Christmas tree? Cute!)

[mary]

He he he! Love that you came home to a snacker! I'm afraid I ate all my nuts and my man only got a handful to try.

[Teresa]

I like the addition of cumin in place of some of the chili - so many variations are possible for this recipe and there have been great posts from everyone. Loved your photos, too!