spicy walnuts

let’s get this party started…

On a chilly evening, when guests come to call, something warm is in order. Here are three easy, classic starters which are terrific with cocktails, wine or champagne, and perfect for bringing in the new year. All three can be “prepped” hours (or a day) in advanced and just need a little time in the oven to be splendidly delicious.

Walnuts (or any nuts) warm from the oven and tossed in something spicy and salty are always satisfying and go so well with cocktails — and especially with champagne.

When serving champagne, I like to move a bottle from the refrigerator to the freezer about 10 minutes before serving to give it an extra crisp chill.

I consider these warm seasoned nuts to be splendid because I can prepare the ingredients in about 10 minutes. While I run off to get ready, these components wait next to my oven (with a sticky note reminding me of the temperature and time they need to be baked), just waiting to be called into action. Minutes before guests are to arrive, I toast and toss.

When guests arrive, they are greeted with a cool cocktail and a bowl of warm, fragrant, spicy, salty and addicting walnuts. This recipe was adapted from one by Nigella Lawson. If I have the time I like to add a couple of tablespoons of coarsely chopped garlic and shallot rings, which have been sauteed in olive oil, to the final toss.

ingredients:

5 cups walnuts (or a mix of your favorite nuts)

4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

4 teaspoons dark brown sugar

3 teaspoons sea salt

3 tablespoons butter at room temperature

steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spread the nuts onto a baking sheet. Slide the tray into a center rack in the oven. Toast the nuts in the oven until golden brown, a total of about 10 minutes, shaking every 3 minutes or so.

In a large bowl, combine the rosemary, cayenne, sugar, salt and softened butter.

Pour the warm nuts into the bowl, allow them to sit for a minute to melt the butter.

Toss the nuts, spices and butter together until thoroughly mixed.

Serve the nuts warm with sprigs of fresh rosemary.

Spicy party walnuts

For a printable version of this recipe click on the foodista widget:

Spicy Party Walnuts

Anything wrapped in bacon is fabulous for a cocktail hour. Click on the titles below to learn more about the history of Rumaki and find out how to make these delectable treats. Your guests will love you!!

Duck Rumakis are made with duck breast, jalapeno slices and bacon and are best served with a homemade Thousand Island Dressing.