Spiced Nuts

This is an original Emeril Lagasse recipe that I modified to add wasabi powder and an extra step to bake the nuts until dry. Otherwise, I think the humidity in Costa Rica leaves the nuts a little too sticky.

Ingredients:

½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon wasabi powder (optional)

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

4 cups unsalted mixed nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and almonds

3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon water

6 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

Mix spices and reserve

Directions:

Preheat oven to 225°F. Heat nuts in a dry skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until they begin to toast, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.  Add the butter, sugar, water and spices to the hot skillet and cook, stirring, until a glaze forms, about 1 minute.  Return the nuts to the skillet and toss to combine with the glaze.  Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until the nuts are glazed and golden brown.

Remove from the heat and transfer to a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, separating with a fork. Bake about 30 minutes until the nuts are dry. Let rest until cooled and the sugar has hardened, about 10 minutes.  Store in an airtight container.