super nuts

If you need some last-minute gifts, why not whip up a batch of spiced nuts? I have the perfect recipe for you. It’s from Cara, a crafty genius from Portland.
Cara’s Nuts
1 1/2 cups EACH of three different kinds of nuts (I used peanuts, cashews, and almonds. Cara eschews peanuts and opts for something fancier, such as pecans)
3 tablespoons butter, melted
Spice mixture:
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (I didn’t have fresh, so I used a teaspoon or so of dried)
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Toss the nuts in the melted butter. Mix in the spice mixture. Here’s what it looks like:
nuts in preparation.JPG
When the nuts have cooled, divide them into decorative containers, such as these pint-sized paint cans (also Cara’s idea. Aren’t they cute? You can get three canfuls out of one batch of nuts):
nuts in cans.JPG
Tie a nice ribbon around the can or stick a bow on it. I thought it would be cute to attach a paint can opener, too, but I didn’t do it for this batch.
nuts ready 2.JPG
Yummy! Now, I also really want to try Alton Brown‘s White Trash Party Mix that Jenny talks about, but I am scared. I have a weakness for party mix.
And THANKS for all the kind words about Ribby! I looked at my elann receipt, and I had purchased 7 of the claret and 4 of new leaf. I think 5 of claret would have been plenty for the main body, so if you’re thinking about making a small, I think you’d be okay with 5.

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12 Responses to super nuts

  1. Natalie says:

    The Ribby is gorgeous. Does the spiced nut mix need to be baked? Your directions say “when the
    nuts have cooled”….

  2. Norma says:

    Adorable! Where does one get those paint cans?

  3. Jennifer in Tokyo says:

    I have had great luck mixing together spiced nut ingredients, then putting them in a slow cooker for a few hours. The smell is heavenly, and the nuts get just the right amount of toasty-ness.

  4. Celia says:

    Spiced nuts. M-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-mmmmmm-mmmmmmmmmmm.
    There’s something quick and easy!
    Thanks for the idea, Mariko.

  5. Amy Allen says:

    yum, might have to whip up a batch tomorrow AND a batch of the white trash, sounds heavenly. guess i’ll have to make a run to trader joes for some nuts. did you use salted? thanks for posting all your creative ideas, i really like your blog!

  6. claire says:

    ooh! Great idea. Thank you for the suggestion! Now I know how I will be spending xmas eve. xx

  7. Emma says:

    Fab snack suggestions !
    Belated ”Fabulous !” for your Ribby.Love the colour combo and itt’s a great fit.

  8. what a fantastic idea – i love it – thank you for sharing. where does one get those schazzy tins?

  9. Raquel says:

    White trash is absolutely addictive. We call it *crack* around our house. 😀 Hope you have a very happy holidays!

  10. vanessa says:

    Ooh, fabulous idea…everyone loves nuts, right? Of course, except for those allergic to them. But everyone else…perfect. Thanks!

  11. Wendy in CA says:

    Wow! I tried your nut recipe last night, but figured they needed to be cooked, so I popped them in the oven at 300 for 30 minutes, and boy are they good. Thank you for the recipe! My guests LOVED them. Merry Christmas, and thank you for a fun blog to read!

  12. dragonridermom says:

    ribbie is gorgeous and white trash was soooooo yummy! thanks for the info
    deb

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