Marcus Samuelsson's Spiced Nuts
On American Airlines, the snacks are designed by Food Network chef Marcus Samuelsson. I ordered the spiced nuts, and they were beyond fantastic. Here is the recipe!
On American Airlines, the snacks are designed by Food Network chef Marcus Samuelsson. I ordered the spiced nuts, and they were beyond fantastic. Here is the recipe!
- Carbohydrate 5.98744415248821 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 18.038996112235 g
- Fiber 1.83997787642286 g
- Protein 4.49667567252043 g
- Saturated Fat 2.4811245527715 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (31g)
- Sodium 3.82885425389568 mg
- Sugar 4.14746627606535 g
- Trans Fat 0.745220250802338 g
- Calories 193 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oil in a large sauté pan over low heat
- Then add the nuts, paprika and salt and roast until golden about 8 to 10 minutes
- Add the sugar and cook, stirring constantly, for another 3 minutes
- Take a sheet pan and spread the nuts in a single layer with parchment paper and let cool
- Sprinkle with the mint
- Transfer to a bowl and toss in the cherries and injera
- You are ready to serve!
Managing the transition from low-heat roasting to the final sugar addition requires close attention, as brown sugar burns quickly once introduced to a hot pan. Toasting the nuts in a large sauté pan over low heat for eight to ten minutes draws out their natural oils gradually, ensuring even color development without scorching the exterior before the center warms through. Once the sugar goes in, constant agitation is mandatory for the three-minute finish to prevent bitter burnt spots.
Pairing Strategies for Spiced Snacks
Balancing heat, sugar, and rich fats opens distinct pairing pathways for beverages and cheese boards. Sharp, aged cheeses like a firm white cheddar or a dry goat cheese cut through the dense fat content of macadamias and pecans while mirroring the warm spices. For drinks, pouring a crisp, highly acidic dry cider or a medium-bodied red wine with low tannins creates a sharp contrast against the sweet brown sugar coating and tart dried cherries.
Adapting the Mix
Swapping out specific nuts alters the overall oil ratio and roasting dynamics of the pan. Peanuts and cashews absorb heat differently than macadamias, so keeping a watchful eye on the eight-minute mark ensures no single variety burns before the others reach a golden hue. Dried cranberries or chopped dates substitute cleanly for sour cherries at a one-to-one ratio if availability requires an adjustment.
