Nuts!

Yes, I am yelling the word “nuts.”  This is a recipe that I saw Nigella Lawson make on one of her shows for the Union Square Cafe’s bar nuts.  I make these for parties all the time, and everyone loves them.  The only problem is that I can’t stop eating them before people arrive!  They’re very simple so they’re great for entertaining.  I use a mixture of cashews, almonds and pecans, but you can use whatever nuts you like best.

The Union Square Cafe’s Bar Nuts
makes 2 1/4 cups mixed nuts

2 1/4 cups (18-oz) assorted raw nuts
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons Maldon or other sea salt
1 tablespoon earth balance margarine, melted

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Toss the nuts together in a large bowl and spread them out on a baking sheet.  Toast in the oven until light golden brown, about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the rosemary, cayenne, sugar, salt and melted margarine.

Thoroughly toss the toasted nuts in the spiced butter and serve warm.

(Sometimes I make these in advance and heat them up in the oven again before guests arrive.)