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Caribbean Rum Nuts

Gina: Girl, my favorite nut is the pecan! It is the all-American nut, and once you mix in cashews, you’ve got somethin’ rocking. I serve this dangerously addictive appetizer at my “Girl Power” get-togethers because it’s great with drinks (and because we ladies deserve a special treat). The combination of dark rum and soy sauce gives these nuts their exotic flavor. For a true island feel, and a little kick, use a hot sauce made from Scotch bonnet peppers.

Cooks' Note

The nuts may soften slightly when heated, but they will regain their crispy texture when they cool.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes about 2 cups (they won¿t last!)

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter
4 ounces (about 1 cup) pecan halves
4 ounces (about 1 cup) cashews
1/4 cup dark rum
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 or 3 dashes hot sauce
Dash Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation

  1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and cashews, and cook, stirring, until the nuts have lightly browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Pour the rum over the nuts, and simmer until slightly reduced, about 1 minute. Add the soy sauce, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and salt, and stir well to combine. Transfer the nuts to a plate covered with paper towels, and cool to room temperature.

From Down Home with the Neelys by Patrick and Gina Neely Copyright (c) 2009 by Patrick and Gina Neely Published by Knopf. Patrick and Gina Neely are owners of Neely's Bar-B-Que in Memphis and hosts of several Food Network shows, including the series Down Home with the Neelys, one of the highest-rated programs to debut on the popular Food Network. High school sweethearts who reconciled at their ten-year reunion, they have been married since 1994. They live in Memphis with their two daughters. Paula Disbrowe collaborated with Susan Spicer on Crescent City Cooking and is the author of Cowgirl Cuisine.
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