Hot Nuts: A Sweet and Spicy Snack You Can’t Resist!

Photo byAngie Bright

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, spicy, and totally addictive, then this Hot Nuts recipe is just what you need. Packed with rich flavors from a trio of nuts and the heat of cayenne pepper, this dish is sure to satisfy any craving. Whether you're prepping for a cozy night in, a snack for a game day, or just a quick energy boost, these Hot Nuts are perfect for any occasion.

The magic behind these Hot Nuts is the balance between sweetness and heat. Pecans, cashews, and almonds are coated with a mixture of honey and coconut oil, flavored with cinnamon and a touch of vanilla. The option to add cayenne gives you control over how spicy you want them. Not only are these nuts incredibly tasty, but they are also packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and proteins. Plus, they make a great snack to take with you on the go.

The Recipe: Hot Nuts

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of pecans
• 1 bag of cashews
• 1 bag of almonds
• 1 bag of dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup honey
• 6 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Coating: Start by melting the honey and coconut oil together in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
2. Add Flavor: Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla and cinnamon. If you're going for a spicy kick, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper at this point to taste.
3. Coat the Nuts: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pecans, cashews, almonds, and dried cranberries. Pour the honey mixture over the nuts and dried fruit, ensuring everything is coated evenly.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Spread the coated nuts evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake and Stir: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to make sure the nuts cook evenly and don’t stick together. For a crunchier texture, you can bake closer to the 30-minute mark.
6. Cool and Serve: Once baked to your desired crunchiness, remove the nuts from the oven and let them cool completely before serving. The nuts will crisp up more as they cool.

The best part about these Hot Nuts is their versatility. You can tweak the recipe to suit your personal taste by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or even experimenting with different nuts. The dried cranberries add a lovely chewy contrast to the crispy nuts, and the honey-coconut oil mixture gives the entire snack a delicious, sticky glaze.

Whether you're enjoying them as an afternoon snack, gifting them in a jar for a friend, or serving them as part of a party platter, Hot Nuts are sure to be a hit. They store well and can last for several days in an airtight container, making them a perfect make-ahead treat. Once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for these fiery, sweet nuts time and time again!

Here are the sources related to your recipe and the nutritional benefits of the ingredients:

1. Health benefits of nuts: Nuts such as pecans, cashews, and almonds are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, protein, and fiber, which support heart health and help reduce inflammation. Almonds, in particular, are known to lower cholesterol levels, while cashews provide important minerals like magnesium and iron​(Eat Right)​(Eat Right).
2. Cooking with honey: Honey, a natural sweetener, adds not only sweetness but also some antioxidants. Using honey in baked goods like this nut recipe offers a more natural sugar alternative, which may have fewer negative effects on blood sugar levels compared to processed sugars​(Eat Right).

These sources will provide more detailed insights into how these ingredients support overall health and the nutritional value they add to your Hot Nuts recipe.