Perfect snack with your favorite summer beverage: spicy-sweet-salty-herby nuts.
I saw the original recipe from Farm Cafe in Portland, Oregon when I was still living there. I tried it but something didn't quite work for me (or I did something wrong, who knows). I kept the recipe because I was convinced I would like it but it's been in my files, ignored, for nearly 10 years.
I dusted it off recently and was inspired to make them again, with some revisions from the original recipe. I used almonds instead of hazelnuts -- the latter aren't as available here as in the Northwest, and aren't as inexpensive. I changed the method a bit but kept all other ingredients as listed. Here, then, is what I did.
ROASTED ROSEMARY NUTS
Ingredients:
- 2 c. almonds
- 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
- 3 T. chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 T. kosher salt
- 5 dashes hot pepper sauce
Slowly heat sugar, salt, hot sauce, and a tablespoon of water in a pan over low heat. Stir constantly until sugar is melted and very warm, adding another tablespoon of water if needed, but keep it minimal. Give the heat a chance to melt the sugar; if you add too much water it will be too liquid-y.
Stir in nuts and rosemary; transfer to pan lined with a sheet of parchment paper, keeping nuts in a single layer. Bake at 325 for 15 minutes, stirring every 4-5 minutes. Keep a close eye the oven as the nuts can brown quickly. Remove from oven and transfer quickly to a clean sheet of parchment paper. Cool completely and break apart; store in airtight container.
Notes:
These are yummy -- a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and herb. I halved the recipe but didn't reduce the hot sauce and still can barely detect it so next time I'll increase it just a little.
Use only the minimum amount of water you can get away with or your nuts may turn out more sticky-gooey than nicely glazed.
I picked up the sheet of parchment paper from the baking pan to toss when I realized the leftover glaze was coming off in flaky bits. I saved all this sweet rosemary goodness to add to salads... and may think of some other uses as well!
I don't remember what I didn't like about these the first time I tried making them but I'm hooked now! They make me want to cook, eat, dance, love!
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