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Here is another recipe from my recent live demonstration at west elm. Mixed nuts are sprinkled with sugar, garam masala, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, clove and cayenne pepper then roasted till golden and fragrant. Tossed with drool-inducing sugared bacon, these spiced mixed nuts are an utterly addicting sweet-savory snack. This is one recipe you just have to make.
Before we get to the recipe, I want to share some behind-the-scenes details of the event. The hours leading up to the demonstration seemed much like an adrenaline pumping Top Chef Challenge. At the start of the day, I actually envisioned Padma saying “4 courses, 60 diners, $x00, 8 hours… GO!” Minor prep was done the evening before; however, most of the food was prepared the day of to ensure maximum tastiness. Between bouts of stirring, roasting and sautéing, I managed to send out a flurry of behind-the-scenes tweets (@brandiego) and even spend some time with my videographer. With all of the multitasking going on, it was a miracle that nothing got burned! I just hope that I don’t look like hell on the video, as I did my interviews after cooking for 7 hours (hair and makeup professionals not in the budget). With the help of my sous chefs (aka my amazing friends) and some serious planning (lists galore), I was able to successfully complete this challenge on time and achieve results that well exceeded my expectations. I am going to stop there, but please check back over the next week for more stories from the event. Continue reading for the recipe.
Spiced Mixed Nuts with Sugared Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 cups roasted, unsalted mixed nuts
- 1 1/2 tablespoons egg white, beaten slightly
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 3/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
- Pinch of ground clove
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3/4 pound sliced bacon
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Place mixed nuts in a large bowl. Add egg white, then toss, coating nuts evenly. Add sugar, garam masala, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, clove, kosher salt and cayenne pepper, tossing to combine.
- Spread nuts evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until nuts are nicely browned and very fragrant, stirring frequently to break up any clumps (about 12 to 15 minutes). Immediately transfer nuts to a clean bowl. Break up any clumps while nuts are still warm, then set aside.
- Increase oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat lightly with nonstick spray. Arrange bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar over the bacon. Using your hands, spread the brown sugar evenly over the slices. Flip the slices over and coat the other side in the same manner. Bake until crisp and dark golden (about 20 to 25 minutes).
- Transfer bacon to a wire rack to cool. Once cooled and firm, chop bacon into small, bite-sized pieces and toss with nuts.
I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!
Cosmicbubbles says
Yum! I LOVE nuts & this looks spectular:). Just to clarify, the should be roasted to begin with, not raw, even though they will be roasting in the oven with the coating? Can’t wait to make this!
Anonymous says
Thanks!! Yes, the nuts should be roasted first. I used a prepackaged mix of roasted, unsalted nuts from Trader Joe’s. If you are going to start with raw nuts, cook them in a 350 oven first (times vary based on which nuts you use – usually 7 – 10 minutes).
Tes says
This is one of those recipe that can create a serious addiction in people. This sounds like a perfect snack that is going to light up a summer party 🙂
Tes
http://tesathome.com
Averie says
I love that shot with your ingredients hanging out thru the tree branches…very cool vantage point!
And what a yummy sounding recipe…mmmm, good!
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
Thanks Averie! That was actually my first time trying to make a food photo from a more distant perspective. I think it worked out with these ingredients.
Belinda @zomppa says
Sugared bacon can never be wrong.
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
These mixed nuts sound and look amazing! That sugared bacon looks dangerous!
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
It is totally dangerous 🙂
Ravienomnoms says
oh wow…that looks so good! I would be all over those nuts. YUM! and that bacon?? ::swoons::
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
Haha thanks!! The bacon is swoon worthy 😉
Evan says
This sounds beyond delicious.
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
Thanks Evan!
[email protected] says
Yum! I would not be able to stop eating those… beautiful job!
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
Thanks Kate!
Sandra says
Congrats on what sounds like a successful event.
Anonymous says
Spiced Mixed Nuts with Sugared Bacon is a best recipe. It is really very testy and best recipe for me. I like to eat that recipe in my beackfast.
PPI
c-m says
How long will this recipe keep for?
Brandon Matzek says
I would say 2 to 3 days. Enjoy!
Surfer Chef says
Great Recipe!! I added chopped rosemary to the nuts to give them another element.
Cathie says
Is the sugar in the mix on the nuts brown or white?
thx.