Cumin Cayenne Cashews – A Great Holiday Appetizer

Looking for a great appetizer for the holidays? (or anytime for that matter!)  This is that recipe! A great entertaining strategy is to have a “go to” recipe you can make in advance, seems like something special, is very easy to make and everyone loves…

These Cumin Cayenne Cashews require just a few ingredients, minimal prep time, and only an hour in the oven.  A spicy, sweet & salty treat to enjoy with you favorite frosty beverage. They also make a nice “gift from the kitchen.” Serve them or gift them, but keep the recipe handy.  Most everyone who tastes these, asks for the recipe.

Cumin Cayenne Cashews – Great Holiday Cocktail Snack

5 from 3 votes

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Servings: 0

Ingredients

• 1 egg white
• 8-10 oz. salted roasted cashews
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons coarse salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• Parchment paper

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with sides with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl whisk egg white with 1 tablespoon water until foamy. Add cashews and toss to coat.Transfer the nuts to a strainer, shake and then let drain for at least 2 minutes.
• Meanwhile, wipe out the bowl and then add the sugar, cumin, salt and cayenne and whisk to mix. Add the nuts and toss to coat thoroughly.
• Spread nuts in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes. Stir with a spatula and spread nuts out again. Reduce the heat to 200 degrees and bake for 20-30 minutes more, or until dry.
• Using a spatula loosen nuts from baking sheet. Let them cool to room temperature on the sheet.
• Enjoy!

Notes

Adapted from Food & wine April 1991 recipe.
Note - I have used this quantity of seasoning with an 8.5 ounce can of cashews which produces a more intensely flavored nut, with more coating. You may want to try them with the 1 pound of cashews the first time, to see whether you want to try this other variation.