Friday, August 30, 2013

Beer Nuts - Candied Sweet Heat Beer Nuts


Now this was FUN!!!

And a unique taste twist on candied nuts.  You end up making a beer caramel sauce (which was delicious on it's own... wanting to try this on ice cram soon... But I digress).

You start making a Beer Simple Syrup, equal parts sugar and beer.  But, as you heat this mix to a candy temperature of 250 degrees, the mix begins to turn.  from a liquid to a thick syrup.  It looks difficult, but really simple.  Just keep stirring over heat until the thick syrup forms.

The beer taste stays in the candy nuts.  As always, when you cook with beer, the actual alcohol cooks out, just leaving the flavor.  Always chose a full of flavor beer, something with plenty of taste.  I chose a local (to me) Kansas City Boulevard Brewing Company's Amber Ale.  The Amber Ale already has a sweet nutty taste from the English specialty malts and German hops.  Made a fantastic combination, perfect for the nuts.

Speaking of the nuts... Of course this recipe works with any you might have on hand... Peanuts, Walnuts or my favorite combination... Pecans and Cashews.  But, adapt as you like both beer and nuts...


OK... Here's what I did...


Sweet and Spicy
BEER Nuts


Ingredients
  • 2 Cups Whole Cashews (Unsalted if possible)
  • 1 Cup Pecan Halves
  • 3 tsp Chili Powder
  • 3 tsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • Several Turns of a Ground Pepper Grinder
  • 3/4 Cup Sugar
  • 3/4 Cup Beer (chose one full of flavor, like a Boulevard Amber Ale)
Cooking Directions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees, Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  2. Combine Chili Powder, Olive Oil, Cumin and Pepper in a small bowl and thoroughly mix.
  3. Add the nuts and stir to coat.
  4. Spread nuts on foil lined baking sheet, single layer and toast in the oven for 10 minutes, until fragrant.
  5. Meanwhile, in a heavy bottomed sauce pan combine 3/4 cups Beer with 3/4 cups Sugar. Heat over medium high heat until mixture registers 250 degrees on a candy thermometer, Stir continuously. As the mix heats it will take on a thicker almost a thin caramel texture. As it reaches 250 degrees it will become even thicker where it barely will pour from a spoon.
  6. Remove from heat and carefully add the nuts while continuously stirring.
  7. Spread the now sugared nuts on foil covered baking sheet, separating clumps.
  8. Let Cool Completely, break up any large pieces and serve with a cold beer... And ENJOY!!!

*************************************************************************

So,  I am pleased to list this as one of my Growing list of  "52 Cooking With BEER Recipes"!!!

Everyone knows about cooking with wine, but BEER has so much more complex flavors.  I imagine the day after beer was invented, someone made an Irish Stew. Cooking with beer infuses recipes with this intoxicating concoction of hops and barley in an effort to enhance and enrich everyday food..  Come take a look, sure to have something you might like to try.  All recipes have been tested and WORK!

*************************************************************************

So,  I am pleased to list this as one of my Growing list of  "52 Appetizers Recipes"!!!

From Dips and Salsas to everyone's favorite, Deviled Eggs; Appetizers will set the mood for something special. And make enough different ones and you have a Tapas Meal!

Links include Dips (Take a Look at the WORLD's BEST Guacamole recipe (and world's easiest to make), Salsas, Grilled Bites, Watermelon Art, and of course something with a spectacular presentation and taste... Take a look, something to match any occasion...

****************************PINTEREST**************************

Come and find me on Pinterest... Any of my "52 Ways to cook" Boards are worth following.  If you like this post, please take a second and "Pin" this to your own boards... Better yet, if you are part of a foodie group board please take a second and add this post to your group pins... best way to show your Love!

And BTW, if you are not yet part of a group board, drop me an email at Contact@eRecipeCards.com and request to be added to my group board... FAVORITE FOOD BLOGGERS! (be sure to include your pinterest ID when you write)  Once you are added, any pins you add will be seen by 10s of THOUSANDS of followers of the board (and growing daily).

Rules, only 2... 




  • In order to join you need to start following the group board as well as at least one of my boards.


  • And you must ONLY pin original sources, posts from food related bloggers only.  If you are a blogger, this is a great way to have thousands of potential readers see your work,  If you are a fan of bloggers, a great way to share your favorites...
    Come and be a part of ... FAVORITE FOOD BLOGGERS! on Pinterest
  • No comments:

    Post a Comment