This recipe is one of my all-time favorites, and with the holidays upon us, I wanted to share it with everyone. I recently served it at a cocktail party, and it was such a hit that my guests devoured it immediately—I had to quickly grab some for myself before it was all gone!
I must admit, I indulged in quite a bit of it before my guests even arrived. But hey, what’s a holiday party without someone feeling a little guilty about their indulgence? This recipe is a true gem—not only because it’s delicious, but also because it’s made from common ingredients you likely already have. It’s perfect for those last-minute preparations when you’re rushing to get yourself and your home ready for guests.
After moving to France, I struggled to find the small twisted pretzels I love for this mix, so I started using pretzel sticks, known locally as ‘sticks d’Alsace.’ Feel free to use any combination of nuts you prefer. Personally, I’m partial to pecan halves and often catch myself snacking on them before the guests arrive. However, whole almonds, cashews, peanuts, and hazelnuts all work wonderfully in this mix.
pretzel & nut mix: the best cocktail snack ever :
Transforming raw nuts and pretzels into a delectable pre-dinner snack, this recipe blends spices, sweetness, and crunch for a delightful treat. Simplifying cleanup, I melt the butter in a spacious bowl, consolidating the mixing process. Remember to add the salt after stirring to maintain its texture. Opt for coarse salt for its distinctive crunch and subtle flavor.
Ingredients:
- - 2 cups (200g) assorted raw nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts, pecans, hazelnuts)
- - 1 tablespoon (15g) melted unsalted butter
- - 3 tablespoons (45g) dark brown sugar
- - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- - 3/4 teaspoon cayenne or red pepper powder
- - 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
- - 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt or kosher salt
- - 2 cups (100g) small pretzel twists
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Spread nuts on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes, stirring once for even toasting.
2. In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, and maple syrup.
3. Add warm nuts, stirring until coated. Mix in salt and pretzels until fully coated.
4. Spread mixture on the baking sheet and bake for 12-18 minutes, stirring twice. Remove from oven and let cool completely, separating nuts and pretzels as they cool.
5. Store cooled mixture in an airtight container for up to a week.