Sweet Microwaved Nut Snack Recipes

SWEET, SALTY, SPICY PARTY NUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
• Combine walnut halves, pecan halves, almonds, and cashews in a large bowl. Add salt, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper; toss to coat.
• Heat sugar, water, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter is melted. Cook for 1 minute and remove from heat. Slowly pour butter mixture over the bowl of nuts and stir to coat.
• Transfer nuts to the prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer.
• Bake nuts in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Stir nuts until the warm syrup coats every nut. Spread into a single layer, return to the oven, and bake until nuts are sticky and roasted, about 6 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

MICROWAVE CANDIED PECANS RECIPE

Steps:

• Pour sugar into a 2-quart microwave-safe Pyrex glass batter bowl. Pour water over the sugar. DO NOT STIR. (I highly recommend you buy an inexpensive glass 2-quart batter bowl if you cook in a microwave very often.)
• Microwave on High for 5-7 minutes or until sugar mixture starts turning golden brown like a piece of butterscotch candy. DO NOT STIR. (Times vary with different MW ovens so watch carefully the first time or two until you figure out the exact time needed in your oven. It's easy to burn.) Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature if necessary. It should read 365-375˚F when ready. Tip the bowl to make the hot sugar mixture deep enough for the thermometer to read correctly.
• Add nuts but DO NOT STIR and MW on High for 30 seconds. NOW, Give the nuts a quick stir and finish with another 30 seconds on High.
• Quickly (and I do mean quickly) pour onto parchment paper, a silicone baking mat, or a well-greased cookie sheet. Use two forks to separate the hot nuts. Allow them to cool until you can touch them without burning your fingers.
• Use your fingers to break up the nuts. If caramel pulls in to thin thread-like strands when you try to break up the nuts, let it cool longer.

MICROWAVE SPICED NUTS

Steps:

• Melt butter in a 4 quart glass casserole dish in the microwave. Stir in the brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon and water. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir in the nuts so they are well coated. Microwave for 4 to 5 additional minutes on high, stirring every minute. Spread cooked nuts out onto parchment or waxed paper to cool.

MICROWAVE-TOASTED NUTS

Steps:

• In a microwave safe dish (I used a Pyrex pie plate), place the nuts evenly in a single layer (coat them in the fat, if using).
• Microwave on HIGH heat for 2 minutes, stir, and continue to cook and stir at one minute intervals, until nuts are fragrant and light golden brown in color. Be careful not to let them scorch. Use potholders.
• (Note: total cook time is about 5 minutes for whole nuts-- smaller amounts or sliced nuts or sesame seeds could be done in as little as 2 minutes, larger amounts of nuts will take longer and not cook as evenly, therefore 1/2 cup of nuts is optimal for even cooking. The optional addition of the fat will speed cooking time somewhat).
• IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS: Be sure to use potholders as the dish will become hot. Do NOT add water to the hot dish, as it may crack. Microwave heating times vary, so use caution.
• Let cool at room temperature.
• Use in recipes or for snacking. Makes a nice holiday or hostess gift in a jar with a fabric lid, tied with pretty ribbon or raffia.

SWEET MIXED NUTS

Steps:

• Slect power high.
• In a 2 quart casserole or microwave safe dish combine sugar, water and spices.
• Heat 1 to 1 1/2 minutes til sugar is melted.
• Stir in nuts.
• Place nuts on a microwave safe plate heat on high for 3 1/2 minutes or until syrupy.
• Becareful to spread the nut mixture evenly on the plate and watch closely not to burn.I find not all microwaves act the same way.
• Place nuts on wax paper to cool completely.
• Break into pieces store in air tight container.