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John's Nuts

a slightly sweet and spicy nut which goes great on salads or just as a snack themself.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: snack, condiment
Cuisine: American
Keyword: nuts, pecans, almonds, waluts, salad topping, healthy snack, snack
Prep Time: 1 hour
Author: John Church

Equipment

  • Kitchen
  • Heavy saucepan
  • Baking sheets

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs shelled pecan halves Hazel Nuts and Walnuts also work well.
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp Chinese Five Spice
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper (or to taste) I actually leave this out as it is too hot for me

Instructions

  • Fill a saucepan with enough water to cover the nuts and set temperature to boil on the stove.
  • Place silicone baking mats or parchment paper on each of the cookie sheets
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Combine all of the ingredients above EXCEPT the nuts to a separate saucepan and bring to a simmering boil.
  • When the water in the first pot is boiling, add the nuts and blanch for 2-3 minutes. Drain.
  • Add the hot nuts to the pan with the spice mixture. Turn up the heat and boil stir continuously until the liquid has evaporated and the nuts are all cover.
  • Spread the nuts on the baking sheets being sure to spread them as evenly as possible. Place the pan in the preheated oven.
  • Use a spatula to turn the nuts after cooking for 15-20 minutes. Cook the nuts until the reach a deep mahogany color which is usually 30-45 minutes depending on your oven. Be careful and watch these the last 10-15 minutes as the nuts can turn dark quickly and can burn if you are not watching.
  • When the nuts reach the color you like, remove from the oven and let them sit out for a couple of hours. You can put these in a plastic container and store in the freezer. Later give the nuts a quick shake and they will separate. Enjoy!!