Asian Trail Mix

Much lower in sodium than packaged nut mixes and rich in healthy fat, about ¼ cup of this tasty mixture serves as ﬁlling snack.

½ pound peanuts (about 1½ cups)

1 heaping tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns

1 heaping tablespoon star anise

1 cinnamon stick

2 teaspoons salt

⅛ teaspoon sugar

2½ cups water

4 ounces cashews (about ¾ cup)

4 ounces macadamia nuts (about ¾ cup)

4 ounces blanched almonds (about ⅞ cup)

2 teaspoons salt

4 ounces raisins (about ¾ cup)

4 ounces golden raisins (about ¾ cup)

4 ounces candied ginger

In a medium sauce pan, combine the peanuts with the spices, salt, sugar, and water. Bring this mixture to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook at this level for 5 minutes. Turn oﬀ the heat and allow the nuts to sit in the liquid overnight.
The next day preheat the oven to 350 °F. Drain the peanuts in a colander and pat them dry. Spread the nuts evenly on a baking sheet and bake them in the middle of the oven for about 30 minutes, shaking the sheet occasionally to redistribute the nuts so they will brown evenly. Reduce the heat to 300 °F and check the peanuts every 10 minutes to catch them when they are fully roasted and no longer moist in the center. Allow to cool.
Toast each of the additional nuts on their own baking sheet in the same oven until a light golden, about 15 minutes. Season lightly with salt and allow to cool. Combine the cooled nuts with the dried fruit and candied ginger. Store the trail mix in an airtight container.

Recipe courtesy of The Culinary Institute of America — Photo: iStockphoto

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