Honey-Cardamom Mixed Nuts
Deliciously Spicy and Sweet Appetizer for Your Next Gathering
This recipe for Honey-Cardamom Mixed Nuts brings together the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom with the richness of honey, making for a uniquely flavored appetizer that’s perfect for a crowd. The blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, combined with the sweetness of honey and the slight saltiness of the nuts, creates a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a large group or looking for a snack to keep on hand, these nuts will surely become a favorite.
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Recipe Category: High Protein
Recipe Yield: Serves 24
Cuisine: American
Dietary Information: High in Protein, Gluten-Free, Easy to Prepare, Great for Large Groups
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Margarine | 3/4 cup |
| Ground Cardamom | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ground Cloves | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ground Ginger | 2 teaspoons |
| Mixed Nuts (such as almonds, cashews, walnuts) | 4 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 2.5 mg |
| Sodium | 371.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 4.3 g |
| Sugar | 5.1 g |
| Protein | 8.2 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low and slow roasting method helps develop a deep flavor in the nuts without burning them.
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Prepare the Baking Pan: Spray a jelly roll pan (approximately 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches) with a non-stick cooking spray. This ensures the nuts don’t stick to the pan during baking.
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Mix the Spices and Sweeteners: In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, butter, margarine, ground cardamom, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Stir the mixture until everything is well blended and smooth.
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Coat the Nuts: Add the mixed nuts to the bowl and stir gently to coat the nuts evenly with the honey-spice mixture. Make sure all the nuts are well coated for maximum flavor in every bite.
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Spread Nuts on the Pan: Transfer the coated nuts onto the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading them out in an even layer. This helps ensure that the nuts roast uniformly, allowing the spices to develop fully.
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Bake the Nuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the nuts for 45 minutes. Every 15 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and stir the nuts to prevent burning and to ensure they roast evenly.
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Cool the Nuts: After 45 minutes, remove the nuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan. Stir occasionally as they cool to ensure they don’t stick together. The nuts will become crispier as they cool.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the nuts have completely cooled, transfer them to a serving bowl. These Honey-Cardamom Mixed Nuts are ready to serve as a delightful appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Tips for Success:
- Nut Variety: Feel free to experiment with the types of nuts you use. Almonds, cashews, pecans, or walnuts all work well in this recipe.
- Spice Level: If you enjoy a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of ground ginger or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra layer of heat.
- Storage: Store the cooled nuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for about a week, making them perfect for make-ahead snacks.
- Serving Suggestions: These mixed nuts are ideal for holiday parties, game-day gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Serve them alongside cheeses, fruits, or even a glass of wine.
With their perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, these Honey-Cardamom Mixed Nuts are the ideal treat to make for any occasion. The combination of warming spices and honey makes for an irresistible snack that’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Easy to make and a great source of protein, these nuts are the perfect finger food for parties and large gatherings.
