MEC Party Appetizers: Union Square Café Bar Nuts… In The Microwave!

A while back, I was watching some complete foodie heaven on the telly and saw these nuts being featured. They seemed like the perfect nibble to whip up for a group of friends. So when I had to think up of a recipe for June’s MEC event, this was my sudden flash of brillance! I altered an existing recipe by Nigella Lawson (Love love love her!). I have to admit it took a couple of tries to get this straight but it was sooo good! While its okay at room temperature, its best served all warm and toasty to bring out the amazing mix of flavors. Enjoy!

(I’ve mostly retained the original recipe’s proportions because there was no need to change it.)

Microwave Version: Union Square Café Bar Nuts

What you need:

2 1/4 cups of mixed unroasted, unsalted nuts such as almonds, cashews, peanuts.. or whatever you fancy. (I used cashews and almonds)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Spice Mix:

2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (I used good ol’ Indian Chili powder for some mah-jor kick!)

2 ½ teaspoons dark brown sugar

2 teaspoons coarse sea salt

red pepper flakes to taste (optional)

Getting Down to Business:

Melt the butter and keep aside.

Combine the sugar, salt, rosemary, red pepper flakes, chili powder with 2 tablespoons of the melted butter and keep aside.

In a large microwave safe bowl ( I prefer glass) combine the nuts and 1 tablespoon* of the melted butter.

Microwave the nuts on high for about 4 to 6 minutes till they taste lightly roasted. Mix in the spice mix with the warm nuts ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Best served warm!

Notes:

Feel free to use regular cayenne powder to keep the heat quotient in check.

As far as possible try to use fresh rosemary for best results.

*If needed, please use more melted butter to ensure the nuts are evenly coated to help the roasting process.