Maple-Bacon Spiced Nuts
These lightly sweet bacon-studded nuts are ideal for entertaining, whether you serve them with drinks during an evening cocktail party or put them out for people to nibble on before dinner. For a party-worthy mix, splurge on high-quality bacon, and buy some fresh raw nuts; these staples of the snack drawer go rancid faster than you would think. Use just one type, like cashews, or any mix, such as hazelnuts and pistachios.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (8 oz./250 g) mixed raw nuts
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten
- 2 Tbs. firmly-packed dark brown sugar
- 1 Tbs. sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
- 4 bacon slices
- 1 Tbs. maple syrup
Directions:
Preheat an oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Put the nuts in a bowl and add the egg white. Toss to coat the nuts evenly.
In another bowl, stir together the brown sugar, salt, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne and ginger. Add the spice mixture to the nuts and toss again to coat evenly.
Scrape the nuts onto the prepared baking sheet and spread in a single layer. Bake, stirring often to break up any clumps, until the nuts are lightly toasted, 15 to 20 minutes. Using a spatula, transfer the nuts to a plate and spread them in a single layer to cool. Leave the oven on and reserve the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush the bacon slices with the maple syrup and arrange in a single layer on the reserved baking sheet. Bake, turning once, until crisp on both sides, about 20 minutes total.
Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain. Let cool, then break into small pieces. In a serving bowl, toss together the bacon and the toasted nuts, then serve. Makes 2 cups (8 oz./250 g) mixed raw nuts; serves 8 to 10.