Sugar…Spice…and everything nuts! (Cue the groans from that awful pun). Chris’ incessant love for puns is starting to rub off on me. But for real, these spiced maple roasted nuts are a wonderful blend of sugar, spice, and crunch that’s perfect for snacking this holiday season. Or anytime really, but I feel like this is one of those Christmas party snacks that I’d munch on as I stand awkwardly by the snack table. Not because I’m shy (actually yes, a little because I’m shy) but also because I’m constantly hungry and I feel less awkward about not having anything clever to say. I’ll just pop a crispy coated almond in my mouth and nod and silently savour the satisfying crunch that roasted almonds have.
I’m not a wallflower, by any means. But if you put me in a crowd of people and tell me to socialize, I’ll probably stand there with a slightly alarmed look on my face for about 2 minutes, giving myself a pep talk that goes something like this:
“Okay Lisa. Make new friends. Talk to people, it’ll be fine. Talk about movies or something. Ask people what they’re doing for the holidays. You can do this. You’re a nice, sociable person. Make eye contact but not too much eye contact or else they’ll think you’re weird. Keep hands on your drink. Don’t fidget. It’ll be fine. You’re fine. Now go.”
And then the time comes for me to talk to them and I somehow manage to pull some sort of natural conversation out of nowhere. End with a laugh and gradually herd people towards the snack table and linger there. Smile and add some sort of witty pun.
In my creative writing class, I mentioned that after a big social event, I look forward to being alone, sitting in silence with nothing but a book. Most people responded, “What? Really? I never would have guessed that.” Surprise! I’m both an introvert and an extrovert. I can pull out a smile and be super friendly and talk to random people (I work in experiential marketing right now, that’s basically what I get paid to do nowadays), but I definitely can be just as happy by myself.
Anyway, I’ve procrastinated writing my paper long enough.
I hope that the introverts out there can handle the holiday party season and that the extroverts out there give them a chance to shine a bit. Shove a handful of these spiced maple roasted nuts in your mouth and you’ll be fine. Crunch away!
Spiced Maple Roasted Nuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw pecans
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 5 Tbsp granulated raw cane sugar*
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly to get the nuts coated evenly. Evenly spread mixture onto a lined, thick-bottomed baking sheet**. Use a spatula to scrape up any excess sugar/syrup that's still in the bowl.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, then flip the nuts, retossing them in the maple syrup mixture. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the sugar bubbles and starts to crisp up on the nuts. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 2 minutes, then use a spatula to break up the nuts to separate them before the sugar sets completely. Don't worry if it still looks a little wet or syrupy, as the pan cools, the sugar will harden.
- Store in an airtight container and snack away!
Notes
*You can use regular sugar if you'd like, but I wanted the flavour that unrefined/raw cane sugar has.
**Nuts can burn really easily and get a bitter, not so delicious taste, so I recommend using a good quality baking sheet that's fairly thick for even heat distribution. I also recommend lining it with a silicone liner like a Silpat for easy clean up and better heat diffusion.
Shareba says
These look yummy! I really need to invest in a Silpat though…
Anne @ Unique Gifter says
Mmmmmmmmm, those looks so good! Amazing pictures!
Lisa Mai says
Thanks Anne!
Liz says
These look great Lisa! They would be perfect to give as a gift, in a jar with a ribbon on it! Simple, but perfect! :)
Lisa Mai says
Thanks Liz! Simple and sweet =)
tanya says
I love spiced nuts, can’ get enough of them! I would totally join you at the snack table at any party. While I’m not a wall flower either, I’m not one of those that can walk into any crowd and be the life of the party! I’d be content quietly munching on these in the corner!
Lisa Mai says
Sounds like we’d get along just fine at a party haha! See you at the food table ;)
Adrienne @ Whole New Mom says
Hi there. Me again! Pinning and bookmarking!
Lisa Le says
Hahah thanks!! <3
Julia @ Swirls and Spice says
Wow! These roasted nuts look so tempting! Your note about using a good baking sheet made me think of my baking stones. They worked so well with granola that I think they would be the ideal surface to forestall any burning of the nuts. I’ll line mine with parchment.
Lisa Le says
That’s really interesting! I’ve never used a baking stone for anything other than pizza =) Let me know how it works out!
FloridaVegan12 says
Just made these to bring to a potluck last night! Very last minute too. They were a big hit! People were filling cups to take them home. They are a great party food for people who want to casually eat but want to access something that is healthy and not messy. I will be making this again and again. GREAT idea for a healthy snack. By the way, I am not deemed by ANYONE as a good cook and I maneuvered this recipe with NO problem. It’s the “sure thing.” Thank you!
Lisa Le says
Aw yay! I’m so glad it was such a hit! Thanks for coming back to share =)
Starr says
Just made made this (it’s finishing cooling as I type). So So So Good!!! I switch out the nuts and used all shelled pumpkin seeds, and it worked out amazing. It’s supposed to be mailed with a Christmas present this week. I hope there’s enough left ;-) Seriously, the whole household is “sampling” it! I may have to make another batch *LOL*… Thank you so much for sharing the recipe!
Lisa Le says
Hahah thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback, Starr <3 Glad everyone enjoyed it XD
Wynne says
These were delicious–thank you! I made a different roasted nuts recipe yesterday and yours is much easier. I did add a scant 1/2 tsp. salt and sub pepitas and cashews for the walnuts, which I didn’t have. Next time I’m going to try 1/4 tsp. cayenne, all ginger, and add chopped crystallized ginger near the end. I also want to try this with 5-spice.
Lisa Le says
Oooh 5 spice sounds fancy! Thanks for your feedback!
Janet Evpraxia Wehlitz says
Just made these – yeah for the win!! I used chopped pecans, chopped walnuts and cashew pieces (what I had on hand) and halved the maple syrup and sugar, as hubby is pre-diabetic.
These are SO good!! And with no peanuts, I can take them to church where there is a child with Severe peanut allergies.