Nuts are a terrific addition to the snacking menu at any party. They can be placed in small bowls on almost any side table, on the bar, or amongst hot and cold hors d'oeuvres. Spiced and flavored nuts make a good accompaniment to cocktails, wine, and beer, as well as providing a small treat to keep ravenous appetites in check before a dinner party.
While simple mixed nuts, bowls of cashews or almonds, or even a humble dish of peanuts make suitable party food fare, adding spices and a touch of oil to the nuts and baking or roasting them brings out even more flavor and crunch. Spices and seasonings from sweet to spicy hot all go well with many different types of nuts.
Almonds are very popular. They're generally inexpensive, easy to find, and take on a lovely flavor when prepared with seasonings. Here are two very different recipes to spice almonds and dress them up for a party.
Soy Glazed Almonds Recipe
Makes 2 cups
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole almonds
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons canola or light vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional)
Put it All Together:
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Add almonds to pan and bring to a boil, stirring frequently, over medium heat. Allow mixture to boil for about five minutes, stirring frequently, until liquid is reduced and absorbed.
- Stir in the canola oil and spread almonds out evenly on a cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring mid-way through cooking time, until nuts are very fragrant and no longer wet to the touch.
- Immediately after removing almonds from the oven, sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired. Allow almonds to cool completely before storing in an air-tight container. Almonds can be served warm from the oven or at room temperature.
Sweet Pumpkin Pie Almonds Recipe
Makes 4 1/2 cups
Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole almonds, toasted
- 1 egg white
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup whote granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Put it All Together:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white, sugars, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until light and foamy. Add almonds and stir well to coat.
- Spread coated almonds evenly on one or two ungreased cookie sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Allow almonds to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Almonds will keep longer if stored in the refrigerator.
