Honey Roasted Nuts

Most people enjoy the combination of sweet and salty in their taste bud palate. A favorite of many, honey roasted nuts are readily available in peanuts only, mixed nuts, salted, and unsalted varieties. Typically, honey roasted nuts are more expensive to buy than plain nuts in a store. An excellent choice for parties, gifts, or simply to accompany popcorn on movie night, honey roasted nuts can easily be made at home and often for less than the prepared, store bought varieties.

Begin by choosing your favorite combination of nuts. Peanuts alone are very good, but combining pecans, almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, and so on add flavor and variety. You will need approximately 6 cups of your choice of nuts. Also gather ½ cup of honey, 1/3 cup of butter or margarine, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of salt (unless the nuts are already salted.)

Next, melt honey and butter or margarine together in a microwavable mixing bowl. Add the nuts and stir the mix to completely coat the nuts. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and sprinkle cinnamon and salt evenly over the mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring a few times during baking to prevent sticking and even roasting. When the mix is golden brown, remove from oven and spread onto wax or parchment paper to cool. Once cooled, spread a second layer of wax paper over the nuts and gently break the nuts apart into bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Experiment with different combinations of nuts and seasonings. Sugar, ginger, nutmeg, or other spices can be used. Vary the spices with the nuts to discover your favorite honey roasted flavor. Your homemade honey roasted nuts can be served at or brought to parties, given as gifts, or simply enjoyed at home.