Sweet & Spicy Bar Nuts

Sweet & Spicy Bar Nuts ~ a tasty spin on the classic Union Square Cafe's Bar Nuts. 

My friend, Sarah, shared one of her holiday traditions, making bowlfuls of... Union Square Cafe's Bar Nuts!   Easy to make and loved by everyone.  She makes them just a bit different from the original classic recipe and as she says ~ Try them, they're the best! It is the easiest recipe and keeps well in the freezer. 

Here is the original recipe from the Food Network site, for the bar nuts from Union Square Cafe.   Below is Sarah's adapted recipe, tweaked to get it just the way she likes it.  I think that is the best part about making your favorite restaurants recipes at home, tinkering with them to suit your own preferences and making them your own.  : )


Sweet & Spicy Bar Nuts ~ Sarah's adapted version of 
~ Union Square  Cafe's Bar Nuts 
  
Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (18-ounces) nuts ~ a mix of whole almonds, pecans and cashews (or your own favorite mix of nuts)
• 2 Tbsp coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tsp dark brown sugar
• 2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Melt the butter and then toss the nuts with the spice/sugar/rosemary mixture.  Enjoy!

For an extra taste treat, try Sarah's friend's version, too ~ Toast the nuts for a few minutes, add a bit more brown sugar when tossing it all together and then sprinkle even a little more dark brown sugar on top.  It gives the spiced nuts an additional flavor hit of crunchy, brown sugar goodness ~ YUM!

What goes well with some Sweet & Spicy Bar Nuts?  A traditional tray of imported cheeses and crackers!  It's a perfect way to start any party.  Sarah, thanks so much for sharing your recipe and photos ~ it all looks and sounds divine!