Spicy Pretzel and Nut Mix

Who doesn't love snacking on pretzels and nuts while binging on favorite tv shows? Well, we were out of our favorite chips the other day and decided to whip up this batch of snack mix to eat while watching my tv shows. The snack mix is so good that I may have ate the whole batch in one sitting. Dr. Sweetpea told me to leave out the cayenne pepper next time but he also loved it! Definitely a keeper for us!

Spicy Pretzel and Nut Snack Mix

(Source: David Lebovitz) 

2 cups (200g) mixed raw nuts (untoasted); any combination of cashews, whole almonds, peanuts, pecan halves, and hazelnuts

1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter, melted

3 tablespoons (45g) dark brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or another red pepper)

1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon flaky sea salt or kosher salt

2 cups (100g) small pretzel twists

Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and roast in a 350F (180C) oven for 10 minutes, stirring once for even toasting. In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, and maple syrup. Add the warm nuts, stirring until coated. Then mix in the salt and pretzels, and stir until the nuts and pretzels are completely coated. Spread the mixture back on the baking sheet and return to the oven for 12-18 minutes, stirring twice during cooking. Remove from oven and cool completely, separating the nuts and pretzels as they cool. Once cool, this mixture can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.