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Sweet & Spicy Toasted Walnuts

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  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Cuisine: Modern American

Description

Elevate your snack game with these irresistibly crunchy walnuts. A warm, aromatic spice blend with a hint of sweetness makes them a perfect DASH-friendly treat or a flavorful salad topper.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups walnut halves and pieces (about 250 g)
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves


Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Pan : Set an oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 275∘F (135∘C). Line the heavy-duty half-sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. Create the Spice Glaze : In the large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the egg white and water together until light and foamy, about 45 seconds. Whisk in the maple syrup until just combined.
  3. Combine the Spices : In the separate small bowl, stir together the cinnamon, ginger, sea salt, nutmeg, cayenne, and cloves until uniform.
  4. Form the Coating : Sprinkle the spice mixture into the foamy egg white mixture and whisk until a smooth, fragrant glaze forms.
  5. Coat the Walnuts : Add the walnut halves to the bowl with the glaze. Using the silicone spatula, gently fold and stir until every nut is thoroughly and evenly coated.
  6. Arrange for Roasting : Pour the coated walnuts onto the prepared pan and spread them into a single, even layer. Make sure the nuts are not overcrowded.
  7. Slow-Roast to Perfection : Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, removing the pan every 10 minutes to toss the nuts with a spatula. This ensures they toast evenly on all sides. The nuts are ready when they appear a deep golden-brown and the coating looks matte and dry.
  8. Cool and Crisp : Place the pan on a wire rack and let the walnuts cool completely, about 25 minutes. They will continue to dry and become significantly crispier as their temperature drops.

Notes

  • Storage: Once fully cooled, transfer the walnuts to an airtight container. They will stay fresh and crunchy at room temperature for up to 10 days.
  • Spice Variations: For a smoky flavor without the heat, replace the cayenne pepper with an equal amount of smoked paprika. For a bright, citrusy note, add 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to the spice blend.
  • Troubleshooting: If your walnuts feel tacky or sticky after cooling, they may be slightly under baked. You can return them to the 275°F oven for an additional 5–7 minutes to help them dry out completely before cooling again.

Nutrition Facts (1/4 cup, 28 g): Calories 174 kcal | Total Fat 16.3 g (Saturated Fat: 1.5 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 11.8 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2.2 g, Trans Fat: 0 g) | Cholesterol 0 mg | Sodium 123 mg | Total Carbs 6 g (Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Total Sugars: 2.5 g, Includes Added Sugars: 2 g, Net Carbs: 4 g) | Protein 4.2 g | Vitamin D 0 mcg | Calcium 29 mg | Iron 0.8 mg | Potassium 128 mg | Vitamin C 0 mg

These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.


Nutrition

  • Calories: 174