Union Square Cafe Bar Nuts

Annie at From the Bookshelf reminded me of this wonderful snack when she made this recipe last week.  The nuts are toasted first then seasoned with fresh rosemary and cayenne, sea salt and brown sugar.  It's Nigella Lawson's version of the bar nuts at the Union Square Cafe in New York City.  They are at once spicy and salty and slightly sweet.  With everyone looking for snacks for the big game this weekend, these will fit right into any Super Bowl menu.  Make sure you double the recipe - they're addictive!

Union Square Cafe's Bar Nuts

18 ounces (2-1/4 cups) assorted unsalted nuts
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
2 teaspoons Maldon's sea salt
2 teaspoons brown sugar (I used muscovado sugar)
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary,coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Spread nuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until they are lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, cayenne, sea salt, brown sugar, and rosemary.  Thoroughly combine toasted nuts with the spiced butter and serve warm.



Source:  Nigella Bites, copyright 2002