Anyone lucky enough to spend time in New York might have had a visit to Union Square Cafe. I’ve been lucky enough to be there a few times including an enforced 2 weeks stay during the Volcano episode two years ago. I was quite upset at being stuck there for so long but I hear that my friends and family were finding it hard to feel any sympathy for me – forced to spend time in New York on your own with the city at your disposal… understandable I suppose. This nut recipe is based on the nuts that Union square cafe serve if you are having a cocktail while waiting for a table. I recommend omitting the cocktail unless it’s a very special night!.. The original recipe uses quite a bit of sugar in place of the honey but the honey works just as well in my opinion. The nuts are great snack option with protein, good fats, minerals and vitamins. Low and slow is the best way to roast the nuts to preserve the best of them so not too hot.

Union Square Café Spicy Nuts
– This would serve a good few people as an appetizer with drinks or reduce the quantities and make for a delicious snack during the day.

500gr assorted unsalted nuts including cashews, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans and whole unpeeled almonds.
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons Maldon salt
1 tablespoon butter melted
1 tsp honey
2 heaped tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary

Preheat oven to 150C
Toss the nuts and spread out on a baking sheet
Toast for about 15 – 20 minutes in the oven until they become light golden brown
In a large bowl combine the rosemary, cayenne, honey, salt and melted butter
Thoroughly toss the nuts in the spiced butter and serve warm.