Inevitably, when I cater an event, no matter how much effort I put into passed appetizers and elaborate salads I get a number of people who say “Where did you get those nuts, did you make them, can I buy them?” They are so absurdly easy that I usually write a “recipe” on back of my business card. But at an event last week, I forgot my cards ( FOR A NETWORKING EVENT NO LESS) So, for everyone at the event I promised to finally write down the recipe for my not so secret cocktail party weapon. Make it, use it, amend it, pass it on. The best part, if you use the Costco nut mix, you can put it right back in the container, and then you have to eat all the bits that don’t fit!
Rosemary Spiced Cocktail Nuts
2.5 lbs EXTRA FANCY Salted Mixed Nuts (Fancy Schmancy way to start I KNOW!)
1 cup brown sugar + extra for tossing
1 cup fresh rosemary, finely chopped (I know, seems like a lot, but trust me.)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
Set aside a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a nonstick pan Over medium high heat sauté rosemary until fragrant. Add brown sugar, salt toss to mix. Add 1/4 cup water and mix to a paste. Toss nuts to coat. Cook until nuts are covered, careful not to burn. If paste is not sticking, add water, tablespoon at a time. Nuts should be coated, sticky, but not wet. Add pepper flake, toss to incorporate. Taste and adjust spices. Transfer nuts to sheet pan. Toss with additional brown sugar until nuts are no longer sticky. Allow to cool. Serve as bar snacks or as accompaniment to cheese board. Store in airtight container, toss with additional brown sugar before serving if necessary.