Spiced Nuts

20 servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 15 m Total: 25 m Intermediate
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Spiced Nuts
A different fun way to eat nuts with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. A daily dose of a handful of nuts brings about immense health benefits. Eating 25-50 grams nuts a day may reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Many think that eating nuts will cause weight gain; however the key is to eat them in moderation. Pecans would be great for this recipe as pecans are one of the most popular nuts enjoyed by Cajuns.

Ingredients

20 servings
  • 4 1/2 cup nuts (pecans recommended)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • 1/4 cup water

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a medium pot, mix sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (all the dry ingredients except nuts) and add ¼ cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, to the softball stage (235-240°F, about 10-15 minutes). To test without a thermometer, drop a small amount into cold water - it should form a soft, pliable ball.
  2. Remove from heat and immediately add the 4½ cups nuts, stirring vigorously to completely coat all nuts with the spiced sugar mixture.
  3. Drop by spoonfuls onto parchment paper and allow to cool completely, about 30 minutes. Break into pieces after cooling; store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 2 weeks.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why did my sugar syrup crystallize or turn grainy?

A: Crystallization happens when you stir the syrup too much during cooking or if sugar crystals form on the sides of the pan. Avoid stirring once the mixture starts boiling, and you can wipe down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystals from forming.

Q: How do I know when I've reached softball stage without a thermometer?

A: Drop a small amount of the syrup into a cup of very cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball that you can flatten between your fingers, you've reached softball stage (235-240°F). If it disperses in the water, keep cooking.

Q: Why are my nuts clumping together instead of separating?

A: You need to work quickly once you add the nuts to the hot syrup. Stir vigorously to coat them, then immediately drop small spoonfuls onto parchment paper before the mixture hardens. If it starts to set up in the pot, it's too late to separate them easily.

Tips and Techniques

Use a candy thermometer for most consistent results, as softball stage is critical for the right coating texture. Work quickly when coating the nuts and dropping them onto parchment, as the mixture will begin to harden as it cools. Pecans are traditional and most popular in Cajun country, but this works well with walnuts, almonds, or even cashews.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • pecans: walnuts, almonds, or cashews
  • cinnamon and nutmeg: pumpkin pie spice blend

Equipment Needed

  • medium heavy-bottomed pot
  • candy thermometer (recommended)
  • wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula
  • parchment paper
  • baking sheet

Historical Context

Candied and spiced nuts have been a Southern staple for generations, particularly popular during the holidays as homemade gifts or at church socials and gatherings. The technique of coating nuts in spiced sugar syrup reflects traditional Southern candy-making skills.