Smoky Spiced Cashews

By ldelmas

Makes 3 cups)

Cook’s notes: If you can’t find powdered chipotle, you can use powdered ancho or guajillo, though the flavor will be a little different.

Ingredients

• 3 cups (about 1 pound) raw cashews
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons agave syrup (light organic gives the best flavor) or honey
• 1 to 2 teaspoons powdered chipotle chile
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, preferably freshly ground
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, preferably freshly ground
• 1 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients, mixing to distribute the spices evenly. Spread the cashews in an uncrowded layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or a nonstick baking mat.

Bake, stirring thoroughly every 5 minutes to coat the nuts with the flavorings, until they have a shiny, dryish coating, about 15 minutes. Stir every few minutes as they cool to ensure they don’t stick together, and they’re ready to serve. The nuts can be stored in an airtight container for several days at room temperature or for several months in the freezer