Tuesday, December 15, 2009

"Bar Nuts" to Keep Around the House this Season

I really haven't disappeared from the face of the Earth, just fully enjoying this holiday season.

The decorations are up at the big house (it sometimes takes a while, since it's a pretty big place), "Mr. & Mrs." have left the penthouse for warmer places, and I'm finally starting to get a grip on things in the stepchild garden. Chuck spent four hours blowing leaves on Sunday morning (ya gotta love sweetgums!), so things are pretty clean for the winter. In the meantime, there always have to be some holiday get togethers.

Here's a recipe for "bar nuts" that people consistently ask for. I typically make a big batch at this time of year, since they're great to keep in the house and also make perfect last minute hostess gifts.

1-1/2 cups EACH of unsalted cashews, walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts
6 T. fresh rosemary leaves
1 t. cayenne pepper
2 T. dark brown sugar
1 T. kosher salt
3 T. butter

Put everything except the nuts in a glass bowl and microwave just until melted; stir to dissolve the sugar. Add this mixture to the nuts in a large bowl and toss to coat.

Roast in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. Be careful, since nuts will go from "white" to "burned" very quickly. Let cool and store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.

9 comments:

  1. These sound great! I bet they're delicious with the rosemary in there.

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  2. Sounds yummy. My mouth's watering even as I was reading it and the photo is a great temptation. Gotta try it sometime. Have a great time!

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  3. yeauh! if only you didn't choose the most expensive nuts of the seaons!

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  4. Am I missing something? Why do Mr and Mrs want their place decorated if they aren't there?! The nuts "dressing" sounds great--I just am not that super wild about the nuts themselves--mostly a texture issue. And, I do love sweetgums, actually. Um, but not to eat.

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  5. Foy, I think the mixture would work with many different types of nuts. That's what the original recipe called for. I've used almonds in the mix in the past, and it was just fine, as well. Might be worth the experimentation. For what it's worth, you can't give away pecans in Georgia!

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  6. Sorry, Monica, I even confused myself. "Mr and Mrs Big House" are still here; "Mr and Mrs Penthouse" have left for warmer weather. I work for two different families.

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  7. THis is wonderful...
    Your images are wonderful too! Enjoy the Holiday. I can't wait to stop by and see what you share in the new year.

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  8. OK ... count me in for these shared goodies!

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  9. Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe, it truly was so GOOD! It didn't last very long, but that's what happens. This would make a lovely gift, too. Loving all the estates and outdoor Holiday decorations. Merry Christmas, xo Lidy

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