Sesame MVP Nut Mix
This nut mix is made with MVP (Malt Vinegar Powder, see TIP A for details) and will most definitely be an MVP in your salty-sweet snack repertoire. The malt vinegar powder is combined with a variety of other savory seasonings, toasted sesame seeds, and a sweet honey glaze to transform ordinary almonds and cashews into something truly addictive.
An addictively seasoned nut mix with a sweet, crispy coating.
- 2.5 tsp. malt vinegar powder (see TIP A below)
- 1.5 tsp. lemon-pepper seasoning
- 1.5 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. granulated garlic (coarse garlic powder)
- 1 tsp. granulated onion (coarse onion powder)
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp. pure honey
- 1 tbsp. light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 2 c. roasted, unsalted cashews (see TIP B below)
- 2 c. roasted, unsalted almonds (see TIP B below)
- 4 tbsp. toasted white sesame seeds (see TIP C below)
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In a small bowl combine the malt vinegar powder, lemon-pepper seasoning, salt, granulated garlic, and granulated onion. Set aside.
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Put the melted better (while warm), honey, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl and whisk until combined. If difficult to mix, heat in the microwave in 10-second increments. Do not overheat.
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Add the cashews and almonds to the honey-butter mixture and stir until fully coated. Then add the toasted white sesame seeds and seasoning mixture. Stir again until the nuts are fully and evenly coated.
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Evenly distribute the coated nuts across a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a pre-heated 275° oven for 50-60 minutes, rotate pan and/or stir after about 30 minutes. When done, let cool and set on the pan for 15-20 minutes. Then transfer to a serving dish and serve slightly warm.
TIP A: Malt vinegar powder can be found in many specialty grocery stores or online at spiceology.com. It's worth it for this nut mix and many other uses—a seasoning on popcorn, French fries, homemade potato chips—the possibilities are endless.
TIP B: For this recipe, it's important to start with roasted, unsalted nuts. Roasted nuts tend to have nuttier flavor and a snappier texture. Raw nuts are delicious, but a bit more chewy. They don't exactly fit the snappy, crunchy experience that you want when having a nosh with beer or cocktails. It's equally important to make this recipe with nuts that are unsalted since you'll be adding plenty of salt, seasoning, and spice through the preparation process.
TIP C: If you shop the Asian or global foods section of your local grocery store, you'll likely find toasted white sesame seeds. This is exactly what you're looking for! They have that delicious sesame-bagel flavor and tend to be drier and crunchier that plain white sesame seeds.