Sometimes it’s the most simple dishes that are the most successful. Like these Rosemary Mixed Nuts with Dried Cranberries!
Last week, we hosted a small Hanukkah party for my son, some of his friends and their parents. I told my son he could invite four of his friends. This was extremely hard for him (and us!) but we really wanted to keep it small so the kids would have room to run around, be crazy and not be over-crowded by a ton of mingling adults.
As soon as I started to menu plan, I knew for sure I would include these Candied Sweet Potato Latkes (I made them a touch smaller) and these Paleo Chocolate Chip Doughnuts with Chocolate Glaze (I also made these mini on a Babycakes mini donut maker as well as a big vegetable tray (mini sweet bell peppers, Persian cucumbers, carrots sticks and grape tomatoes) with some Hummus for dipping and some other snacky foods for the kids (potato chips cooked in olive oil, apple and grape juice boxes, etc.)
I also had this grand idea to create “Brisket Inspired Mini Meatballs” which was a lot of work and turned out good but wasn’t knock it out of the park special. I wound up calling them “Hanukkah Meatballs” and although people seemed to really like them, I doubt I’ll ever make them again (too many extra steps!).
I knew we would have some nuts but truly it was a bit of an after-thought until the day of the party. I had some beautiful, fragrant rosemary leftover from Thanksgiving and realized that I had the perfect combination of nuts and berries to highlight the rosemary.
These mixed nuts were a last minute addition and may have been the most popular dish at the party. Everyone loved them and raved about them. While the rosemary is subtle and not the least bit over-powering, it has enough of a presence to let your taste buds know that you are not just eating a handful of mixed nuts. Balanced out with sea salt, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and just enough coconut oil, these are perfect for parties or as an anytime snack.
Extra bonus, they are ridiculously easy to make, Vegan, Whole30 compliant and Paleo.
NOTES:
- Be careful when buying dried cranberries. Many brands are loaded with preservatives, an obscene amount of sugar and some even have food coloring. If you live near a Trader Joe’s, they have an Organic option that is lightly sweetened and has a bit of Sunflower Oil for $2.99 a bag. If not, I recommend trying the bulk section of your natural foods store.
- Store in an air-tight container in the pantry for up to one month (I doubt they will last that long ;)).
- Fresh Rosemary is a must! There is a small amount and it is very powerful. Try to use the most fragrant rosemary you can – it will really make a difference.
Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
6 Points Plus Per Serving Based on 35 Servings
- 1 pound raw whole almonds
- 1 pound raw whole cashews
- 1/2 pound raw pecans
- 1/4 cup organic virgin coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup dried cranberries see NOTES
-
Preheat oven to 350 and set the oven racks to the 1st and 3rd positions. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or tin foil and set aside. In a large bowl, combine almonds, cashews and pecans.
-
Finely chop rosemary and measure 1 Tablespoon. Combine with sea salt and pinch red pepper flakes.
-
Heat coconut oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once melted and very hot, add rosemary, salt and red pepper flakes. Cook about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
-
Immediately remove from heat and pour over mixed nuts.
-
Toss until well coated and pour half of the nuts onto each baking sheet. Shake until they are in one layer.
-
Place both baking sheets in the oven and set for 8 minutes. Remove from oven, shake nuts around and place back in the oven for an additional 8 minutes until just starting to brown.
-
Remove and allow to cool a bit (10 to 15 minutes). Add in cranberries, toss well to mix and let nut mix cool completely (until totally cool to touch) before storing in an airtight container. See NOTES for more on storage and Enjoy!
Did you make this recipe? Tag @EverydayMaven on Instagram with the hashtag #EveryDayMaven and please give a star rating below.
nvm,found notes. lol
I am making my second batch of these, hopefully I won’t gobble them up too fast.
I’ve not been able to find the Notes for storage, put mine in a baggie and kept in the fridge.
Glad you found the notes Ruth and that liked the nuts so much you are already on your second batch! Enjoy 🙂
Alyssa,
I’ve been snacking on nuts lately–but never thought of the rosemary angle! When the snow melts enough for me to find my plant outside I’ll need to snip a piece off and try this.
Thanks!
Making flavoured nuts is one of my favourite things to do for dinner parties – and they are so easy!! People often forget how easy they are.
Such a great idea to use rosemary in mixed nuts! I always have some on hand (grow it in my windowsill in the winter, in the garden when weather permits), so you know it’s a herb I like. And I make mixed spiced nuts often – need to try it with rosemary! Thanks for this.
Sounds like you hosted a delicious, fun party, Alyssa! Mixed nuts are always a favorite treat. I made a batch at Thanksgiving and we devoured them. I haven’t roasted with coconut oil before so will definitely try it next time. I like the savory/spicy kick you have in yours! Happy Hanukkah!
Thanks Hannah – I especially love the coconut oil / cashew combo – works really well together!
Isn’t it wonderful when the easiest dish turns out to be the best and the most popular? This sure is a great party item.
It really is Norma and such a reminder not to overthink it in the kitchen!
Rosemary mixed nuts, what a perfect and addictive treat for the holidays!
Hi Mallory – hope you enjoy them and Happy Holidays!
Having a nut mix like this around would be both dangerous and delicious. There’s no way I’d be able to stop snacking on them!
Luckily there weren’t too many leftovers from the party because I would have been doing the same thing!
Nuts are the ingredient du jour at the moment, so you have hit the zeitgeist perfectly. Did you read all of the great news that came out of the Dana Farber Cancer Center study? Basically people who eat nuts every day live longer. Perfect recipe to have on hand to get those daily nuts. Thanks, my dear.
I haven’t but my Dad mentioned something about it as well. I need to look up the articles – we love nuts!