Sweet and Salty Mixed Nuts

It happens every year ~ I buy more nuts than I actually need for holiday baking... 'just in case'.  I bag and seal the excess and store them in the freezer.  By mid-summer it occurs to me that I better figure out a way to use them up before the next holiday season.

I don't do as much baking in warm weather, but we do like to have smaller meals, and sometimes just a nibble . . .

A little treat to go along with cool, refreshing beverages when it's just too hot to eat ~ or cook.

A particular favorite here is icy water with a twist of lemon or lime, it's so refreshing.

Though this recipe is new to me, it's been around since at least the early 1990's.  It is an adaptation from those served at San Francisco's Fog City Diner.  

They only take a few minutes to put together, and that can be done in the cool of the morning. 

The bonus is there is no need to turn the oven on ~ no baking or roasting involved. The preparation is a simple 3 step process; put the nuts in a pot of water, bring it to a boil then drain. Toss with some powdered sugar (confectioner's sugar) and shallow fry for just a couple of moments in an inch or two of vegetable oil, then drain and place on a baking sheet, sprinkle with kosher or sea salt and allow to cool.  As they cool they crisp up very nicely.

And they'll be all ready to enjoy with your favorite cold drink as the day heats up.

They are exceptionally good!  

The bad thing is, they are addictive.

You can use your favorite type of nut, or mix up any combination you like ~ I used almonds, cashews, hazelnuts and pecans.

This one is definitely going into my 'keeper' file.

If you like nuts, I hope you'll give this one a try ~ and keep it in mind for your next party or get together.  They would make a fine little gift from your kitchen, too.

If you would like a printable copy of the recipe ~ you'll find it HERE on my recipe blog.

Thank you for coming by today!