Sweet Lime Cashews

These nuts go from ordinary to extraordinary with a special blend of sweet, smoky, and zesty flavors. The tang from lime adds brightness while the chipotle gives just enough smoky heat. They won't last long at parties and look great tucked into pretty jars as gifts.

I whipped these candied cashews up for a block party once and came back with nothing but an empty dish and neighbors asking how I made them. They've become my go-to handmade gift during the holidays.

Ingredients

• Whole roasted unsalted cashews: They're the foundation that soaks up all the amazing flavors with their naturally buttery taste.
• Vegetable oil: Makes sure everything sticks to the nuts and helps them turn golden brown.
• Light brown sugar: Gives those lovely caramel undertones that work so well with the cashews' natural flavor.
• Honey: Creates that must-have sticky coating and brings more depth than just using sugar.
• Fresh lime juice: Adds that zippy tang that balances out the sweetness.
• Ground chipotle powder: Brings that smoky warmth that gets stronger after cooling. Go for pure ground chipotle with no extras.
• Sea salt: Boosts every flavor and creates that can't-resist sweet-salty combo.

How To Make Chipotle Lime Candied Cashews

Prepare the oven and pan:

Heat your oven to 350°F and put the rack right in the middle. Give a big baking sheet a light coating of oil so nothing sticks when the sugar turns gooey.

Coat the cashews:

Mix the cashews with vegetable oil in a big bowl until they're all slightly shiny. This helps everything else stick properly and makes them brown up nicely.

Mix the coating:

Stir brown sugar, honey, lime juice, chipotle powder, and salt together until it's all mixed up. The stuff should be a bit thick but still easy to pour. Make sure all the chipotle powder is mixed in so the heat spreads evenly.

Combine cashews and coating:

Dump the spicy-sweet mixture over your oiled cashews and mix really well until every single nut is coated. Don't rush this part - good coverage matters.

Bake with attention:

Lay the coated cashews flat on your oiled baking sheet. They'll need about 25-30 minutes total, but you've gotta stir them every 8 minutes so they don't burn and get evenly caramelized.

Monitor final browning:

Keep a close eye as they finish baking. You'll see the coating change from wet and sticky to shiny as it caramelizes. They're done when they look glossy and golden brown.

Cool properly:

Move the hot cashews to a clean sheet pan with a slotted spoon. Stir them often while they cool so they don't clump together. Now's when you can add an extra pinch of salt if you want.

Store correctly:

Once they're totally cool, put them in a container that seals tight. This keeps them crunchy and fresh for weeks.

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The chipotle powder really makes this special. I found out how amazing it was when I was playing around with different spices, and nothing else gives that same smoky kick. My family bugs me to bring these to our yearly cabin getaway where they're gone in no time.

Storage Tips

These tasty cashews stay crunchy and flavorful for about two weeks when kept in a sealed container at room temp. If you need them to last longer, stick them in the fridge for up to a month or freeze them for three months. If they lose some crunch after being cold, just warm them up in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes, then let them cool completely before putting them away again.

Flavor Variations

The chipotle-lime combo is fantastic, but you can totally switch things up. Try using orange zest and juice instead of lime with a bit of cinnamon and cayenne for something different. Or make a curry version with curry powder, a hint of ginger, and orange juice in place of the lime. Want something more dessert-like? Skip the chipotle and use cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of vanilla instead.

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Serving Suggestions

These fancy cashews do more than just work as a snack. Chop them up to add some crunch to salads, especially ones with fruit like pears or apples. They're amazing sprinkled over vanilla ice cream or creamy desserts. Want a fancy appetizer? Add them to your cheese board next to some aged cheddar or creamy brie. They also taste great scattered over roasted veggies like sweet potatoes or butternut squash.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Turn these cashews into awesome gifts with some creative packaging. Put them in small mason jars with pretty labels and ribbon for holiday giving. For your health-focused friends, portion them into little cellophane bags with cards that mention they're gluten-free and dairy-free. You can even make a fancy snack basket by adding them alongside homemade crackers and local honey. Everyone loves opening these gifts because they smell so good.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I coat the cashews evenly?

Mix the cashews and glaze thoroughly in a big bowl before laying them out for baking. Stir them during roasting to keep the coating even.

→ Can I swap cashews with other nuts?

Absolutely! Almonds, pecans, or walnuts work well too. Just tweak the roasting time based on the size and texture of the nut.

→ What's the best way to control the heat?

To spice it up, add extra chipotle powder or cayenne. For a milder taste, use less chipotle and keep the other flavors the same.

→ How should I store these cashews?

Once completely cooled, keep them in a sealed container at room temperature for a week. For longer freshness, refrigerate them.

→ Is it possible to make these vegan?

Definitely! Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave. The flavor changes slightly, but it's still really tasty.