Spiced Nuts(Microwave Style)
Crunchy, sweet-spiced nuts with warm cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves, perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding a flavorful crunch to salads and desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a deep 2-quart pan, combine dark brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and ground cloves.
- Heat, uncovered, on Full power for 1 1/2 minutes; stir occasionally.
- Add 1/2 cup nuts at a time to the syrup mixture.
- Stir until well coated.
- With a slotted spoon, lift out nuts, reserving the draining syrup.
- Place coated nuts in a shallow 1 1/2-quart heat-resistant non-metallic baking dish.
- Repeat with remaining nuts.
- Heat all coated nuts, uncovered, on Full power for 5 minutes or until syrup begins to harden slightly.
- Transfer nuts to greased wax paper to cool and harden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using pecans or almonds instead of walnuts, and adjust the spices to your taste. Ensure your pan is deep enough to prevent the syrup from bubbling over. Stirring the mixture every 30 seconds while heating helps avoid burning. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
These spiced nuts make an excellent snack on their own or can be served as a topping for salads, like Mixed Greens And Fennel With Ginger Dressing. For a delightful appetizer, pair them with cheese and crackers, or enjoy them alongside a warm cup of Phronia Jeffer'S Russian Tea for a cozy treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled spiced nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them in a resealable bag. When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Nuts(Microwave Style) contains roughly 90 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 878mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I adjust the sweetness of the spiced nuts?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of dark brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet flavor. Alternatively, you can substitute with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile while keeping the recipe vegan.
What if I don't have a microwave?
You can prepare these spiced nuts in a conventional oven. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spread the coated nuts on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and fragrant.
How can I make these spiced nuts more savory?
To make the spiced nuts savory, consider reducing the sugar and adding herbs like rosemary or thyme. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or some garlic powder can also enhance the flavor profile, providing a unique twist to the recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).