Sweet ‘n’ Savoury Roasted Nuts and Pretzels

Well Hello there December, you came out of no where😳… or is it just me?!! So little time, So. Many. Things. To. Do! But, one Day/Cocktail at time… we will get through this, promis! 

First off all, I must apologize in advance that I’m introducing you to this highly addictive recipe. Like, the struggle is real when these Sweet ‘n’ Savory Roasted Nuts and Pretzels are in the house. Also, can’t take credit for this recipe! This is the magical work of Teighan from Half Baked Harvest!! If you haven’t checked her out yet, go for it. So many amazing recipes and she also has a wonderful book. And her Barn/House, Major Goals!!! 

I came across this recipe last year, tried it once and then made literally like 20 batches. NO JOKE. I brought it to everywhere we were invited, scattered it on every cheese board and snacked on it constantly. Thanks, Teighan… Thks🤦🏻‍♀️!

I always say I’m more of a savoury girl, but then when I eat the savoury, I want sweet (vicious circle). So, when I have something that’s both sweet and savoury at the same time, well that my friends… is called a #winner.

Can we talk about Christmas gifts for a minute? Christmas gifts are great, but I’ve caught on over the years that every time I come over to a friend’s house with a bag of homemade goodies, they love that SO much more than something store bought. From homemade jam, to a basket of muffins, to a can of spicy nuts, people love it!!Bring a bottle of their favourite wine or a bag of great coffee beans with that, perfection! Another fun little thing that I love giving during the Holidays is flavoured simple syrups. Because let’s be real, cocktails are flowing A LOT during this time of the year, so why not give a friend something to bring their cocktail game to the next level! But, all that aside… we all know that gifts are not the important thing here, it’s spending time with the ones you love and if you can, help the people who are a less fortunate❤❤❤K, back to those spicy nuts!!! This recipe makes 6 cups total, and last up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. I even kept some in the freezer last year because I made them in advance and they were great. She uses a mixture of both fresh herbs and dried spices: Fresh Rosemary, Cayenne Pepper, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder and Salt. For the wet ingredients: Butter (duh, in everything that is delicious in life has butter), Soy Sauce (smart, very smart) and Maple Syrup (always an excellent idea). Then, a mixture of Raw** Nuts & Pretzels. Make sure you get raw, unsalted nuts because you are going to roast/season them yourself.

On the subject of nuts, yes, I know they can be pricey. I’ve found the best place to get them is either at Costco (they have a big tub of 1.13kg of mix nuts for like 25$) or Bulk Barn. If you start buying them all individually, then the prices add up. Teighan does 4 cups mixed nuts and 2 cups pretzels, but I like to do half and half because I am really into these spicy pretzels I must say!! So, you do you, and go Nuts!!!… (I’m funny😏… Right?)

Before you pop over to Half Baked Harvest for the full recipe, here are a few things I would suggest (remember, made it gazillion times)

• If you don’t like things too spicy, cut the Cayenne Pepper to 1 tsp
• I upped the Smoked Paprika to 1 tsp 
• Play around with Nuts to Pretzel Ratio
• They are delicious served warm, with extra fleur de sel and more fresh rosemary. Let them cool slightly when they come out of the oven then DIG. IN🤤

I’ll link her recipe here so you can get all the measurements!! Let’s kick off our Holiday Prep with this killer snack! Things to look forward to:

1. Peanut Butter Balls: Easily my most requested Holiday Treat. 
2. Mini Maple Sugar Cones: No explanations needed, you guys will love these😍
3. Nutty Caramel Popcorn: Classic/Favourite
4. Arancini: If you ask me, these are a necessity in life. 
5. Orange Cranberry Loaf: Perfect to add to your Holiday Brunch!
6. Christmas Guac: Guac is life. 
7. Also going to make THE Cheeseboard, with all the good stuff
8. All. The. Cocktails: #All

Have a Fantastic Weekend😘

XO, Nat

Recipe Source: Half Baked Harvest