Rosemary Roasted Mixed Nuts

I must confess that this week's blog entry has been a bit of a struggle.  I have had no inspiration this week.
Maybe it is the heat, maybe because it has been a busy week with little time to ponder recipes,  

A friend suggested snacks, so snacks is the topic of the week!

I enjoy nuts on my salads, they give it an extra crunch factor and add flavor.
Since it is so hot and there seems to be no end in sight and salads are going to be a frequent dinner or lunch option, I thought I'd fix some roasted nuts that are a little extra special.  I have a couple of really nice rosemary bushes in my patio garden so I decided to make some "dressed up" mixed nuts.

This recipe results in nuts that are sweet and savory all rolled into one.  The nuts are good for eating by themselves as well as sprinkled atop a bed of mixed greens.  If you are really into planning ahead, they also would make a perfect homemade gift for Christmas gift exchanges, or a housewarming or hostess gift.  Just pop some into a pretty container and you have an instant gift....that is if they all don't disappear first!

You will be tempted to start tasting as soon as you pull them out of the oven, but muster up your resistance and let them cool before you have your first handful.  The nuts need the cooling time to crisp back up and regain their crunch.

Rosemary Roasted Mixed Nuts

Ingredients:

1 40 oz. (2 1/2 lbs) Kirkland (Costco Brand) Fancy Mixed Nuts
3-4 springs fresh rosemary
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoons sea salt
cracked black pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together nuts, stripped rosemary sprigs, olive oil, brown sugar, cayenne, sea salt and black pepper.
Spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes until nuts are roasted through.
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
When nuts have cooled, place in jars or store in airtight containers.

 Happy Snacking!

...and that's What's Cooking at Cathy's ~ Enjoy!