Isn’t it amazing how smells can transport you back to your memories? If you breathe in that familiar scent and close your eyes, you’re back in whatever moment it evokes.
Well today, thanks to this recipe, I spent a good half an hour drinking in the scent of childhood holiday spent wandering around Epcot in Disneyland, Orlando where I’d marvel at the beautiful smell of hot churros and funnel cake, being sold out of windows and carts as I tried to digest all the big, bright and truly amazing things I was seeing.
That’s what probably started my lifelong love affair with cinnamon to be honest. I adore it. And when it’s mixed with sugar? Well forget it. I think if Ryan Gosling walked into the room I’d still choose the cinnamon and sugar combo instead of him.
Sad, but true.
And so to the recipe. Cinnamon, Vanilla and Sugar Roasted Nuts. It’s not in any way healthy… I mean as snacks go, okay its nuts which are good for you, but there is a tone of sugar in them, so bear it in mind…. If your teeth feel weak after eating them, you’ve been warned.
I’ve amalgamated a few recipes I’ve come across online, plus added my own spin on it. All in all it’s simple to make, and honestly worth doing for the intoxicating smell you’ll have in your kitchen.
1 egg white
Selection of nuts (I used almonds, cashews and pecans)
100g golden caster sugar
40g light brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
3-4 tsp cinnamon
First line a baking tray with some parchment paper. Spray or dot it with some oil so the paper will stick.
Whip the egg white in a bowl until it’s frothy, don’t let it go to soft or still peaks. Think bubbly foam.
Throw in the nuts and coat them fully in the egg white.
In another bowl mix the sugar and cinnamon, then tip into the nuts.
Add in the vanilla and stir until all the nuts are coated.
The transfer it all to the baking tray and bake in a low oven at 150 c for about 40 minutes, stirring halfway.
Enjoy the AMAZING smell! Then remove from the oven and let them cool before devouring them! Great sprinkled over vanilla ice cream too.
