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barefoot contessa spiced nuts

Barefoot Contessa Spiced Nuts Recipe

Sharon Brown
Have you ever found yourself standing in your kitchen, craving a snack that’s both savory and a bit sweet?
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 248 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups oven-toasted unsalted cashews 14 ounces
  • 2 cups whole pecan halves 7 ounces
  • 1/2 cup raw almonds 3 ounces
  • 2 teaspoons smoked chipotle powder
  • 1/4 cup packed golden brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed clementine juice
  • 2 cups whole walnut halves 7 ounces
  • Flaky sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary divided
  • Neutral oil such as grapeseed or avocado oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your nuts get that perfect toasty tone as they bake.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine your nuts—the cashews, pecans, raw almonds, and walnut halves. Toss them gently and ensure they’re evenly distributed. This is going to be a nutty party, and each nut deserves the spotlight!
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, smoked chipotle powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the orange zest and clementine juice, stirring until you have a thick, syrupy mixture. Now comes the sweet part: stir in the maple syrup. The combination should look deliciously enticing.
  • Pour the syrup mix over the nuts. Use a spatula to ensure that every nut is generously coated. This step is crucial—nobody likes a nut that feels left out!
  • Spread the nuts evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. This method prevents any burning and allows for even flavor distribution.
  • Once the nuts are golden and fragrant, remove them from the oven. Toss them with chopped rosemary (save a bit for garnish). Let them cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. This will help them retain their crunchiness.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Nuts: For the best flavor, ensure you buy fresh nuts. Old nuts can be rancid, which can ruin the whole batch.
  • Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not keen on heat, reduce the amount of smoked chipotle powder. Everyone has different taste preferences.
  • Don’t Rush the Cooling: Let them cool completely before storing. This step is crucial to ensure they stay crisp and delicious.
  • Experiment with Herbs: While rosemary shines in this recipe, feel free to experiment with thyme or even sage for a different flavor experience.
  • Serving Suggestions: For a fun twist, serve your spiced nuts with dark chocolate chunks. The combination of sweet and salty is divine.

Nutrition

Calories: 248kcal
Keyword barefoot contessa spiced nuts recipe
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