Name: Beer nuts Recipe
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: Serves 12 to 16
Ingredients: 1 pound mixed nuts (raw almonds, peanuts and pecans); 1 pound plus 1 cup brown sugar, divided; 1 (12-ounce) beer, preferably lager or ale; 3 tablespoons molasses; ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste; 1 ¾ teaspoons salt

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By Noelle Carter

Feb. 1, 2017

Sure, you can buy beer nuts, but they’re easy to make from scratch, and you can flavor them as you like — such as actually using beer to make them. For a basic batch, simmer mixed nuts in a simple mix of brown sugar, beer and molasses, then toss with more sugar and a touch of cayenne, toasting the nuts until crisp and fragrant.

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1 pound mixed nuts (raw almonds, peanuts and pecans)

1 pound plus 1 cup brown sugar, divided

1 (12-ounce) beer, preferably lager or ale

3 tablespoons molasses

¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

1 ¾ teaspoons salt

Heat the oven to 250 degrees.

In a large, heavy-bottom saucepan, combine 1 pound brown sugar with the beer and molasses and bring to a simmer, stirring until all of the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the nuts. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and continue to cook until the nuts are softened and the liquid has reduced to a syrupy consistency, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat.

Strain the nuts, discarding the syrup. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup brown sugar, cayenne pepper and salt. Add the nuts and toss to coat.

Spread the nuts out in a single layer on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Toast the nuts until they are completely dried, about 40 minutes, tossing occasionally.