For Holiday gifts, I usually make a triple or quadruple batch of savory spiced nuts. I got the inspiration for my recipe from Sunset Magazine. They had a recipe in their 1997 issue for a thanksgiving feast.
Denise's Spicy Herb Roasted Nuts
Notes: In lieu of fresh herbs, use dried ones (1/2 teaspoon of each). Or use 3 Tbs Herbs de Provence. (I like this alot.)
Makes: 5 cups Prep and cook time: About 50 minutes
11/2 cups almonds
11/2 cups walnut halves
1 cup hazelnuts
1 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 Tablespoons Tamari
1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11/2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano leaves
11/2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage leaves
11/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
11/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
11/2 teaspoons chopped fresh savory leaves
11/2 teaspoons chopped fresh marjoram leaves
3 tablespoons olive oil
About 1 teaspoon sea salt
1. Mix almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, maple syrup, tamari, cayenne, black pepper,oregano, sage, thyme, rosemary, savory, marjoram, and oil in a 10- by 15-inch rimmed pan. Sprinkle nuts with 1 teaspoon salt.
2. Bake in a 300° oven, stirring occasionally, until all liquid evaporates and nuts are golden under the skin (break open to test), about 45 minutes.
3. Let cool. Taste and add more salt if desired.
I modifed the recipe using a slightly different herb combination, upped the cayenne, and added a few other ingredients. I sell this stuff to a few catering friends for heir events. You can use whatever nuts that you like and are affordable. The only thing I do not like in this mix are peanuts. They do not go well with the glaze. This stuff freezes well, and ships well too. It is best eaten within a month of making them. Lovely as an appetizer with champagne, or chopped and added to a salad.
Denise Lindquist