Home Opener Snack

Tuesday night is the Yanks home opener. So while the fans in the stands are enjoying Bazzini's nuts, you can bake a batch of my spiced nuts for the family. This recipe is easy to prepare and great to do ahead; it just requires about an hour to slowly roast. This is one of those treats that can be dressed up or down; and always receives a raised eyebrow of pleasant surprise. I've been told, "George I need to make double batches because my guests ate them all!"

Serve as elegant munchies, pre-dinner snacks or toss a few in a salad. Be creative; and go Yanks! Enjoy.

Spiced Nuts

recipe by Chef George Hirsch | Makes about 5 cups

from George Hirsch Living it UP! Cookbook, ©2000

 

1 pound unsalted pecan halves, almonds, cashews or walnuts

1 egg white

1 teaspoon water

2 teaspoons hot sauce or chipotle sauce

3/4 cup pure cane sugar

2 Tablespoons curry powder

1 Tablespoon kosher salt

 

Mix sugar, curry powder, and salt.  Heat oven to 250 degrees F. Arrange the pecans on a cookie sheet and toast, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the egg white and water until frothy. Stir in the pecans/ nuts and sprinkle with the sugar, hot sauce, chipotle sauce, curry powder, and salt. Mix well. Lightly coat the cookie sheet with vegetable cooking spray. Spread the pecans in a single layer on the sheet.

 

Bake 45 minutes- 1 hour or until the pecans are dry, stirring once or twice.

 

Cool, store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

chefgeorgehirsch.com