Spicy, sticky nuts

A perfect snack, dinner party nibble or present!

• 4 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 3 tsp smoked paprika
• 3 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
• couple of pinchs of salt and pepper
• 300g nuts: skin-on almonds and pecan work well but cashews do too.

1. Add the oil to a pan along with the spices and rosemary.
2. Fry on a low heat for a minute or two to release the flavour.
3. Add the rest of the syrup and sugar and cook into a thick dressing: you may want to add a little more oil to make it a better coating for the nuts.
4. Toss in the nuts and ensure every one is covered in your spicy goodness.
5. Place on a baking tray lined with baking parchment.
6. Place in an oven at 190 C for around 5-10 minutes until the dressing has hardened on the nuts: don’t burn them!
7. Leave to cool, break up any that have sticked together and store in something air-tight to avoid moisture softening the coating.

This is my simple recipe, inspired by the nuts my sister often makes which we are ADDICTED to. By all means add other spices or herbs. What about thyme with lemon zest or even more chilli?