Spicy Praline Cashews Recipes

SPICY CASHEWS

Steps:

• In a large skillet, saute cashews in butter and oil for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Spread on a paper towel-lined baking sheet; let stand for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt, chili powder and pepper flakes; toss to coat. Store in an airtight container.

SPICY PRALINE CASHEWS

Steps:

• In a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and vinegar. Cook, without stirring, until mixture turns a golden amber color, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in the salt, cumin and cayenne. Add cashews; stir until blended. Cool on waxed paper. Store in an airtight container.

SPICED CANDIED CASHEWS

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Put the nuts, sugar, water, and salt into a large skillet over high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently, and cook until the water is nearly evaporated and the liquid becomes syrupy, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, mix the spices together in a small bowl.
• After 10 minutes, sprinkle the spices over the nuts and stir well. Continue stirring constantly while the water evaporates completely, about 5 minutes. When there is no longer any sugar syrup left in the bottom of the pan, turn off the heat and stir the nuts vigorously but carefully in the pan until the sugar seizes up and the nuts are evenly coated with crystallized sugar.
• Turn the nuts out onto the lined baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Cool completely before sifting the excess sugar from the coated nuts and storing in an airtight container.
• Cook's Note: DO NOT touch the nuts at any time while cooking or just afterward. Cooked sugar is extremely hot and can burn instantly when touched.

SPICY CASHEWS

Steps:

• Place a medium-size saute pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and cashews and toss to coat. Add chili powder, salt, and pepper and toss until warmed through. Remove from heat and serve. They will crisp as they sit.

PRALINE PECANS

Steps:

• Line 15x10-inch pan with sides with waxed paper. In heavy 3-quart saucepan, stir together granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, milk and corn syrup. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 7 to 8 minutes, stirring constantly, to 234°F on candy thermometer or until small amount of mixture dropped into a cup of very cold water forms a ball that flattens when removed from water.
• Remove from heat; vigorously stir in pecans. Spoon mixture into pan, spreading in even layer. Let stand 20 minutes or until firm. Break into pieces. Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

SPICED HOLIDAY PRALINES

Steps:

• In a saucepan, combine sugar, cane syrup, pecans and 1/2 cup water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches 235 degrees on a candy thermometer.
• Remove saucepan from heat and immediately stir in butter, vanilla extract and spices. Allow mixture to cool for 10 minutes.
• Carefully using a hand-held mixer, or a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip until mixture changes to a lighter color and becomes creamy and just starts to stiffen as it cools (it should still be warm). The pecans will break up a bit.
• Use a tablespoon-size cookie dough scoop to drop mixture onto two parchment-paper-lined baking sheets (12 pralines on each sheet). Use a spatula to flatten each praline. Let cool completely and store in a tin, creating separate layers with wax paper.