Nucato Spiced Honey Nut Crunch Recipes

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350.
• Spread the nuts on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake just until the nuts are warm to the touch, about 3 minutes. Remove baking sheet from oven. Drizzle nuts with honey and corn syrup, and mix well. Continue baking, stirring often with oiled spatula (I used Pam) until the liquid has evaporated into a glaze, about 10-12 minutes.
• Mix the sugar, salt, cumin, chili powder and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. Add the nuts and mix well to coat them with the spiced sugar. Transfer to a clean baking sheet to cool, breaking up the nuts that may have stuck together. They will crisp as they cool.
• Store in airtight container at room temp for up to one week.

Steps:

• Gradually bring the honey to the boil, skimming off any impurities that may rise to the surface. Very coarsely chop the nuts and add to the honey along with 1 teaspoon of the spice mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 30 to 45 minutes. The mixture is done when you can hear the almonds beginning to "pop" from the heat of the honey. Take care not to let the nuts burn and turn dark and bitter. When done, stir in the remaining spice mixture.
• When the nucato is done, pour it out onto a sheet pan or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper; spread it into an even layer with the cut surface of a halved lemon. Cool completely before serving.