You know when you go to a party and are trying to be casual, sampling the delicious goodies on the table…then you try something…and you can’t-stop-eating-it. That’s me, with these Spicy Maple Nuts. I’m not alone. Make a batch of these and see how fast they go. Maybe that’s just our big family, where people grab fast and furious if they are scared they are not going to get something.
- 4 cups mixed nuts
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1½ tsp chili powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or foil, but if using foil, spray it with a non-stick cooking spray.
- Place nuts in a large bowl
- In a small saucepan over medium heat add maple syrup, butter and 1 tsp chili powder, ¼ tsp cayenne and salt
- Heat until boiling, about 2 minutes
- Immediately pour over nuts and stir until evenly coated
- Spread out nuts in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet
- Bake in the center of the oven- at 300 degrees- stirring occasionally until glazed-20-25 minutes
- Sprinkle with remaining chili powder and cayenne and stir
- Let cool on sheet, stirring occasionally
- Store in an airtight container
The point is, these are delicious. The maple gives them a sort of candied taste and the spices just finish them off. Spicy Maple Nuts make a great gift for almost anyone.
I buy the large jars of mixed nuts from Costco, or the Superstore, but you can use any sort of nuts, or combination.
I picked up these sweet little jars with the chalkboard labels (complete with a piece of chalk) from the Dollar Store. Men are hard to buy for… a couple jars of these with some local craft beer…you’re welcome.
photo credit-Heidi Jirotka Photography
photo credit-Heidi Jirotka Photography
Put on some Christmas music, make a batch…or two…of these nuts…and enjoy!
photo credit-Heidi Jirotka Photography
Do you like to make food gifts for people on your Christmas list?
Warning – this recipe makes 4 cups. Just enough to last until you finish making the next batch!
I like the additional of cayenne pepper. Can’t wait to try. Thanks for linking up at Let’s Get Real Party.
Hi Jennifer – Ooo, I love a candied or spiced nut, and these look like the best of both worlds. Thanks so much for sharing them with the Let’s Get Real party. Pinning.
I love having a pretty dish of nuts out on the table during the holidays but this would be a fun twist to make them extra special. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe at Happiness is Homemade this week!
Fantastic homemade gift idea. Thanks for sharing.