I really can’t say that I intended to get this recipe up before Valentine’s Day because I didn’t think of it until the 15th. Heck, it would’ve made a great Superbowl appetizer too! Oh well, better late than never. Olympics appetizer, anyone?
You may not know this, but Eric was a squirrel in his former life. Or at least I think there’s a good chance. Any time he’s hungry for a snack you can be sure his hand will be in the jar of almonds or cashews. After demolishing the stash he says, “You might want to write almonds/cashews on the grocery list…” It’s a constant struggle to keep nuts stocked in this house, I tell you. I guess I should be happy that he enjoys a healthy snack even if he does dip into my coveted baking stash.
We usually don’t do anything too fancy for the 14th; good food tends to always make an appearance though. There’s a recipe for coconut bacon in my bonus recipe bundle and Eric thinks it’s just about the best thing going. So this weekend, I decided to make an edible gift inspired by that recipe, sneaking in his favourite nuts. I knew this spicy & smoky mix would make his head spin!
From start to finish this recipe takes less than 30 minutes, but you’d never know from the gourmet end result. The addition of large flake coconut is just divine – the coconut flakes get all crispy in the oven, adding an unexpected element to traditional roasted nuts. I don’t think I’ll make roasted nuts without flaked coconut from now on! Throw this mix into a cute jar for an easy gift that will be enjoyed by many sneaky hands.
Featuring all new, protein-packed salads, hearty toppers, flavour boosters, and dressings you'll want to drink, my new cookbook will transform the way you think about salads. Oh, and be sure to flip to the back for a surprise dessert chapter!
Smoky & Spicy Nut, Sesame, and Coconut 'Bacon' Bar Nuts
Yield
3 cups
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Intensely smoky, spicy, and toasty - this roasted nut mix is a great party appetizer. Sweet almonds and cashews are a lovely contrast to the smoky, savoury flavour of the liquid smoke, coconut aminos, smoked paprika, sea salt, and cayenne pepper. Just a warning: the smoked flavour is very strong while cooking (and after) - I suggest opening a window before beginning and putting on the range fan, if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashew halves
- 1 cup raw whole almonds
- 3/4 cup large-flake unsweetened coconut (not shredded coconut)
- 2 tablespoons hulled sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos or low-sodium tamari
- 1/2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (depending on how smoky you like it)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt or pink Himalayan salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 325F.
- In a large bowl, combine the cashews, almonds, coconut, and sesame seeds.
- In a small bowl, stir together the coconut aminos (or tamari), maple syrup, liquid smoke, salt, paprika, and cayenne until combined.
- Pour wet ingredients on top of the nuts and stir well with a spatula until thoroughly coated.
- With the spatula, scoop the mixture onto the prepared sheet. Use the spatula to get all the liquid and seeds off the side of the bowl and spoon it onto the nut mixture.
- Spread nuts out into a thin layer.
- Bake at 325F for 10 minutes, stir, and bake another 10 minutes, or until the coconut flakes are golden. Turn on the range fan and open a window while it bakes as the smoked aroma is powerful.
- Cool for 10 minutes on the pan. Store in a glass jar.
Tip:
Note: To make this recipe soy-free, use coconut aminos.
Nutrition Information
(click to expand)
Looks yummy!
Mmmm these sound so good, Ange!! I love your other bar nut mix (the one you made for Canada day a couple of years ago I think, and the same one we had at your bday). And I had to laugh about your comment that Eric used to be a squirrel in a previous life. Since he and I love carrots so much, I guess we can also assume we were once rabbits too? ;) Happy Family Day!
I’ll have to make you some next time you are visiting. :)
Happy Family Day to you too. Hope you are enjoying some time off!
Ooh, I bet these are awesome!
I had to crack up at the opening a window while they’re baking comment. I wish I had done that before making Sriracha salt as gifts. It smelled like an ethnic restaurant in our home for 5 days! :)
whoa, that is intense! I can only imagine. haha. Sometimes you don’t even know until it’s too late, right??
Looks great! I’ve been looking for a recipe for spicy nuts, not just sweet ones, so this is great!
I love bar nuts! Bar nuts and plenty of drinks make a great dinner :) So creative, Angela! Liquid smoke & coconut aminos – great thinking for these. pinned
I think my husband was a squirrel in his former life too. We go through a crazy amount of nuts each week – like a full bag of almonds, cashews, pecans, pistachios. Not to mention dried fruit for his trail mixes. The people who work at Trader Joe’s always look at me funny, and then when they see all of the kale and greens they put two and two together and say “Oh, are you vegan?!” Yes, we are vegan nut-hoarders.
I can’t wait to try your recipe, Angela! I love the sweet/spicy/smoky combination.
I need to use my liquid smoke more often, this looks amazing!
I just bought some chocolate covered bacon for a friend this weekend and was a bit jealous as I’m a fanatic for the sweet + salty combo. Will satisfy my craving with this asap!
Good to hear of Eric, I’ve missed your antics :-) These nuts look great! Wish I knew where to get liquid smoke in the UK.
You can get it from amazon in the UK.
These look absolutely delicious! I am big fan of your blog, it’s a great source of inspiration, both when I don’t know what to cook, and when I need some motivation to go on taking care of my health and the health of my loved ones.
I’ve been making a slow transition from vegetarianism to veganism and I’ve found that lots and lots more food options became available to me, simply because I wan’t aware of them before. It kind of makes me expand my horizons on the cooking front.
Thank you for sharing this recipe with us, I will definitely give it a try!
Hey Becky, Thanks for your kind words!
I totally get what you mean about “not knowing what options were available” – I’ve discovered so many new foods since going vegan. Sure makes it interesting! Thanks for reading.
My fiance has been frantically searching everywhere for an awesome bar nuts recipe, so we’ll have to try these! Thanks for sharing this and saving me from further experiements in this area…his last batch was, um. Interesting.
YUM! I’ve always loved nuts, but sometimes you just need a little something more. I’ve never even heard of liquid smoke, but I’d be willing to buy it to give these a shot. :)
The nuts look like such a yummy cold-weather pick-me-up! However, I want to know what brand (“type”) of liquid smoke you use? The stuff honestly kinda scares me!
It’s by “Try Me” brand :)
I love anything that uses liquid smoke! Cannot wait to make these! Sadly my husband just discovered a love for nuts. We’ve had them in the house for years but now I must share ;)
Yummm! I haven’t ever used liquid smoke…where would I find it?
I found it at Whole Foods…you can probably find it online too I’m sure!
Loblaws sells it, it’s with the barbecue sauce.
Happy Family Day Angela! These nuts look fantastic – I love the idea of the addition coconut bacon which is something I’ve been meaning to try :D I think I might have been a squirrel in my past life too – I am so in love with nuts I hauled an extra suitcase full (haha no joke) of nuts back with me to Belgium after the Christmas holidays in Toronto because they are so expensive here! :)
Happy Family Day to you as well! That’s hilarious about lugging a full suitcase of nuts….you gotta do what you gotta do!
This mix looks divine! I have a squirrel husband too. I have to hide my nuts if I’m planning on using them for something specific. And if I made this I would definitely have to hide a separate stash for me. :)
Smokey, sweet and salt….perfect! I love the way the simplest of flavors combine to make an even more fabulous flavor and you’ve definitely nailed a perfect combination here.
Looking forward to the new book. ♥
I love this recipe because just like your guy, I know mine will go nuts (pun intended) for these! He is also a squirrel, but I am glad to see him reaching for nuts over Oreos!
Ooh this looks amazing! I need to use liquid smoke more often, really gives things a nice flavor!