Alongside your savory creations for the holidays, these sweet and crunchy cashews will round out your celebration. Cashews are a healthy choice for nuts because their nutritional value is different since it is really a seed and not a botanical nut. They are higher in unsaturated fats and especially minerals like magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper than other choices. These candied cashews also have the extra benefit of the phytonutrients in cinnamon and other spices like nutmeg and cardamom that you might choose to add. Happy Holidays!
Nutritional information for cashews
Christmas Candied Cashews
Makes 4 cups
Ingredients:
4 cups whole cashews (raw or roasted) (13 oz)
2 large egg whites
2 teaspoons water
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
6 Tablespoons light brown sugar
3 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cardamom (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet like a half sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, sugars, and spices. Set aside.
- With a hand whisker, beat the egg whites until frothy, about 1 minute. Add the water and whisk for about an extra minute.
- Add the nuts to the egg whites and toss to evenly coat the nuts.
- Add the salt, sugar, and spice mixture into the nuts and toss to evenly coat.
- Spread the nuts on the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to mix the nuts several times throughout baking.
- Remove from the oven and allow the nuts to cool for several minutes before giving them another mix and letting them cool completely.
- Candied cashews may be kept at room temperature for up to a month or in the freezer for up to six months.
Stovetop Method without the Egg Whites:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the sugar, spices, salt, and water and combine. Stir consistently to prevent burning. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the cashews and coat them in the syrup. Continue stirring the mixture until the liquid crystallizes on the cashews. Remove from the pan, spread them out, and let them cool completely.
Adapted from www.onesarcasticbaker.com
