Moroccan Spiced Walnuts

I love spiced walnuts. They’re quite addictive. Over the years I’ve tried lots of recipes and this is my favorite by far. These make an excellent snack. You can also sprinkle them over a salad. Makes 2 large cups. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 cups of walnuts (don’t use walnut pieces)

1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter

Large pinch of cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons of rase el hanout (store bought or recipe below)

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon water

Directions:

1.      Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes.

2.      In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

3.      Add the rase l hanout, cayenne, brown sugar and water.

4.      Stir until sugar is melted and the mixture is bubbly and foaming.

5.      Toss the walnuts in the butter mixture and coat thoroughly.

6.      Place in a single layer on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet.

7.      Bake for 5 minutes. Toss with a spoon and bake for another 5 minutes.

8.      Remove from oven and et cool completely. Break up any walnuts that are sticking together.

9.      Store in an airtight container.

Directions for making ras el hanout:

In a small bowl whisk together the following spices:

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3 teaspoons ground turmeric

2 teaspoons ground coriander

2 teaspoons ground ginger

2 teaspoons ground cardamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground coves

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Whatever is leftover can be stored in a container with a lid for future use.