Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts

This Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts recipe was this morning’s “snow day” project because of my New Years’ resolution–Eat Nuts. I’m trying to add more nuts to my diet because plain and simple, they’re good for you.

Nuts are a huge part of a Mediterranean Diet, which I’ve been reading a lot about. The diet is considered by nutrition experts to be one of the healthiest diets with antioxidants, vitamins, omega-3s, and healthy fats in nearly ever dish..

So why nuts?

Studies show that Americans, compared to the rest of the world, don’t eat enough nuts (peanuts don’t count because they are technically not a nut).

Other than those found in the snack aisle or the bowl of nuts with shells at Grandma’s house during the holidays that everyone seems to love to crack, nuts aren’t not part of the American diet. Given all the nutrients in one little nut, and since I love nuts, I decided it would be simple to add them to my diet.

But there are a few cons to eating nuts–fat, calories and cost. Darn it!

They have a lot of fat, good fat but still fat, and calories. Also, they are PRICEY! After all that I’ve read that’s good about them, though, I’m taking the plunge and adjusting my grocery budget to include nuts.

Is this recipe healthy?

I know I’m talking about all the healthiness of nuts, but you’re probably thinking this recipe for Salty, Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts doesn’t look so healthy. And, you’d be right!

I’m definitely looking the other way when I add all the sugary sweet coating to these. So yes, they’re loaded with all things bad like sugar (the pure white stuff) and fat (REAL butter), but I just couldn’t resist making them. Wait until you taste them. You’ll understand what I mean. They are ADDICTIVE!

Is it worth it?

There are times when I try to justify and rationalize why using unhealthy ingredients can be okay. This is one of those times.

So here I go. Let me remind you that nuts are healthy–loaded with protein, omega 3s, and antioxidants–and we don’t eat enough of them.

Therefore, there is still a HUGE health benefit from these Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts. The sugar and fat combination makes it really REALLY hard to eat just a few. I kept finding myself going back for “just a couple more” way too many times. BUT my plan is to keep these on hand to use in moderation. These will be the perfect addition to my salads year round. And since salads are filled with nutritious vegetables and fruits (justify and rationalize), I figure a little bit of sugar and fat won’t hurt too much. Oh yes, MODERATION!

Each time I make this recipe for Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts, I cut the sugar by just a little bit. I’m trying to tone down the sweetness and still keep the coating sticky enough to stick to the nuts.

I also like to play with the seasonings too. My favorite change has been to swap out the cayenne pepper for smoked paprika. I LOVE that smokey flavor, but it can be too much for some folks. You be the judge.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts

Making these is a breeze. Super simple.

Start with 4 cups of nuts. I use walnuts (the nutrition KING of nuts), pecans (because they’re my favorite), almonds (because they’re also really good for you), and cashews (to fancy things up a little). Feel free to pick your favorite combination of nuts–they all work with this recipe.
Next, melt the butter and add the sugar, salt and spices. I use a little less than 1/2 cup because it’s A LOT of sugar.
Pour the butter/spice mixture over the nuts and stir to combine so the nuts are evenly coated.
Spread the nuts evenly in one layer onto a baking pan (sheet pan).
Bake for 9 minutes, stir, and return to the oven to bake for another 5-6 minutes.

You can’t eat just one or even one handful. Oh my these are addicting!

Here’s my original recipe.

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