Maple-Bacon Spiced Nuts

Here, we’ve taken a bowl of nuts to the next level by adding rich maple syrup and savory bacon. For a party-worthy mix, splurge on high-quality bacon, and buy some fresh raw nuts. Use just one type — we love cashews — or any mix, such as hazelnuts and pistachios.

 

Maple-Bacon Spiced Nuts

 

2 cups (8 oz./250 g.) mixed raw nuts

1 large 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 slices bacon

1 Tbs. maple syrup

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

 

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.

 

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Scrape the nuts onto the prepared pan and spared in a single layer. Bake, stirring often to break up any clumps, until the nuts are lightly toasted, 15-20 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.).

 

Recipe from Good Food to Share, by Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan.