[Recipe] Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts (With Bacon!)

We’ve made it to day 12 of The Frilly Apron’s 12 Days of Christmas! I can’t believe it. I had so much fun with this – I hope you’ve all enjoyed it as much as I have.

I’ve been making these spiced mixed nuts for a few years now and everyone loves them. They go great with a glass of wine, on a cheese tray, with a beer, or just on their own. They are quick and easy to throw together too. They also make a nice addition to a green salad.

This year I’ve decided to up the ante on this recipe by adding bacon. If you’d prefer to omit the bacon, this recipe will work just as well. You can also omit the maple syrup, and just double the sugar instead, if you’d like.

The savoury and sweet notes in these nuts make them appealing to everyone. Use whatever kinds of nuts you have on hand – any mixture will do. It’s a great way to use up any extras you might have left over from your baking.

I always double this recipe, since they get gobbled up quickly.

[Recipe] Spiced Nuts (With Bacon!)

6 slices bacon (optional, but why? – I used maple bacon)
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp chipotle chili powder (substitute 1 1/2 tsp chili powder if you’d like)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch cayenne
1 egg white
2 cups nuts, any kinds or combinations (I used cashews, almonds, walnuts, and pecans)

Bake the bacon:

Place the bacon slices on a parchment lined baking sheet. Put them into a cold oven, then turn the oven on to 400F. Bake the bacon for 12-18 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon.

Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the baking sheet and put it on a paper towel lined plate. Be sure to remove the bacon from the original baking sheet, or it will continue to cook.

Once the bacon has cooled, chop it up and set it aside.

Proceed to preparing and baking the nuts:

Turn the oven heat down to 300F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the sugar, maple syrup, and spices together in a small bowl. Set aside.

Beat the egg white lightly with a whisk in a larger bowl.

Toss in the nuts and stir to coat.

Add the sugar and spice mixture and coat nuts evenly.

Finally, add the bacon and stir.

Using your fingers, one by one lift the pecans out of the bowl and transfer to the baking sheet, separating them as best you can. Discard any leftover sugar-egg mix.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes. Then transfer to another baking sheet, breaking nuts apart as necessary; let cool completely.

Kept covered in a dry place, these nuts will stay fresh for 5 days. If you’ve opted in on the bacon, remember to refrigerate.