There is something inherently welcoming about the smell of roasted nuts and warm spices drifting from the kitchen. This simple recipe transforms humble pantry staples into a sophisticated snack or a vibrant garnish.

The combination of earthy cumin and the heat of cayenne pepper cuts through the richness of the buttery pecans and pine nuts. While these are addictive enough to eat by the handful right off the cooling rack, they truly shine as a texture element. Scatter them over a creamy pumpkin soup, toss them into an autumn salad, or arrange them on a cheese board for a rustic touch.

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 6

The Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup pecan halves
¾ cup pine nuts
¾ cup pumpkin seeds

Instructions

Preheat: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Infuse the Butter: Melt the butter in a small sauté pan over low heat. Stir in the kosher salt, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper until fragrant. Remove the pan from the heat immediately.
Coat the Nuts: In a medium bowl, combine the pecan halves, pine nuts, and pumpkin seeds. Pour the warm spiced butter mixture over the nuts and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
Roast: Spread the nut mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 10 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even toasting.
Cool and Store: Remove the nuts from the oven. Transfer them immediately to a plate or cool surface to stop the cooking process (leaving them on the hot pan might scorch the pine nuts). Let them cool completely before transferring to a well-sealed plastic container.

Notes from the Kitchen

Watch Closely: Pine nuts are delicate and have a high oil content, meaning they can go from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Keep a close eye on the oven near the 8-minute mark.
Serving Ideas: These are fantastic sprinkled over a goat cheese salad, served alongside olives for cocktail hour, or used to top a savory roasted squash dish.
Spice Level: The ½ teaspoon of cayenne gives a distinct kick. If you prefer a milder snack, reduce this to ¼ teaspoon.

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