Lime Spiced Cashews

Spiced nuts are such a perfect snack for entertaining.  They  take minutes to make, they can be made a few days in advance, and they have that easy to munch quality that'll keep your guests coming back for just one more handful... and one more... and one more...  They can also be a great opportunity to bring together different flavors without appearing intimidating.  Here we combine just a tiny bit of hickory smoked flavor with the spice of various ground peppers and top it off with the fresh, sweet and sour taste of lime.  These nuts pack a shocking amount of flavor and are so much healthier than any of the prepackaged stuff. 

Ingredients

5 ounces plain, unsalted cashews

2 tablespoons butter

½ teaspoon liquid smoke

1 ½ tablespoons Spice Mix

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

2 limes, cut into wedges

Spice Mix:

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 teaspoons paprika

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon cayenne

¾ teaspoon white pepper

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon ground thyme

½ teaspoon oregano

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and spices together.

In a large sauté pan, melt butter over medium heat.  Add the cashews, ½ teaspoon liquid smoke, and 1 ½ tablespoons spice mix.  Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until cashews turn golden brown.  Take off heat, and sprinkle another ¼ teaspoon kosher salt on the cashews.  When cashews have cooled, squeeze fresh lime juice over the spiced nuts. Remaining spice mix can be saved for another time.