Barbecue Spiced Snack Nuts

Yields 2 cups (8 Servings)

This snack mix features a combination of sweet and savory -- with a little spicy kick -- that creates a fusion of flavors for any occasion. Our health-conscious party planners love this recipe, as nuts are nutrient-dense foods that provide unique bioactive compounds. Nuts are cholesterol-free and include a natural compound called plant sterols, or phytosterols, which interfere with cholesterol absorption and thus help lower blood cholesterol when present in sufficient amounts. Other bioactive constituents of nuts -- such as tocopherols, folic acid, selenium and magnesium -- are believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory or anti-carcinogenic properties, making nuts  an exceptional food to support health and longevity.

Contrary to what you might expect, oil-roasted nuts are only slightly higher in fat and calories than dry-roasted nuts. This is because nuts are naturally high in fat (most of it good) and cannot absorb much more. When roasting nuts, use coconut oil rather than olive oil, which easily burns. It tolerates heat better to create a slowly roasted, golden nut.

Barbecue Seasoning Mix

½ cup coconut sugar

½ cup smoked paprika

¼ cup garlic powder

¼ cup onion powder

¼ cup celery seed

3 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper

2 teaspoons dried mustard

3 tablespoons dried thyme

2 tablespoons dried basil

3 tablespoons sea salt

Mix all ingredients together. Set aside. Store in an airtight container.

Spiced Nuts

8 teaspoons coconut oil, divided use

½ cup walnut halves

½ cup pecan halves

½ cup whole cashews

½ cup whole hazelnuts

8 teaspoons of Barbecue Seasoning Mix, divided use

Preheat the oven to 350℉. In a skillet over medium heat, add 2 teaspoons coconut oil. When hot, add only the walnut halves and 2 teaspoons of the Barbecue Seasoning Mix. Stir 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and then add 2 teaspoons coconut oil, pecan halves and 2 teaspoons seasoning mix, then stir 1-2 minutes and remove. Repeat the process for the cashews and hazelnuts. Then mix all the nuts together. Place on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove and cool. Store in an airtight container. 

Nutrition Per Serving:

Calories 206 | Fat 19g | Protein 4g | Carbs 8g |
Sugar 2g | Fiber 2g | Sodium 9mg

Find more healthy recipes like this one inside our cookbook, Beautiful Living. Purchase a copy here.