Chinese Crackerjacks
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the sugar, salt, pepper and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Finely grind the star anise, cloves and Szechwan peppercorns in a spice grinder.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve to eliminate the husks, the combine with the sugar mixture.
- Heat a large heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, over high heat until hot enough to evaporate a bead of water on contact.
- Add the nuts and toss until they are hot to the touch, about a minute.
- Reduce the heat if needed to prevent scorching.
- Sprinkle the nuts with half the seasoning mixture and shak the pan until the sugar melts and turns a dark caramlized brown, about a minute.
- Add the remaining mixture and continue shaking the pan until the sugar melts again and coats the nuts.
- (Do not use a spatula or a spoon for this process because the sugar wil caramelize onto it instead of the nuts.)
- Immediately turn the nuts onto a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Use yoru fingers to separate the nuts when cool enough to handle, then let them cool completely.
- Store in a tightly sealed, clean, dry glass jar.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
511
kcal
26% DV
Protein
Fat
Carbs
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).