Nutty snacks

I love nuts. They're good for you and it easily allows for a healthy salt fix (if you're able to eat them in moderation, of course). I'll eat roasted, salted mixed nuts, or take raw almonds or cashews or a mix and make my own. This following is a basic guideline, but keep in mind you can easily alter the flavors with different spices or reducing sugar, etc. Be creative - try different salts (smoked salt, maybe?) or add some lemon zest or freshly picked herbs other than rosemary (minced oregano? fresh thyme?). Give it a go - they're easy and they are perfect cocktail or pre dinner snacks!

Caramelized nuts (modified from 'A Kitchen Safari' by Yvonne Short)

1 c raw almonds, cashews or mixed nuts (check the bulk aisle in your supermarket)
2 tbsp butter
1/2 c soft brown sugar
Sea salt or Kosher salt
Cayenne pepper
2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary, minced

In a large frying pan, melt the butter. Toss in the sugar, salt, a healthy shake of cayenne (to your taste!) and the rosemary. Mix over the heat then add the nuts. Fry until the nuts are coated in a salty-sugary glaze. Perfect yin-yang combo!

Delicious with a cocktail hour drink!