recipe: sweet and spicy pretzel mix

This tasty snack recipe has been a long time coming. I first made it when the Kyles came for Thanksgiving in 2007, and the recipe has been passed around quite a bit since then. Our friend Cate gave it to her mom, who passed it to friends in California, our friend Ariel has shared it with friends, and my mom makes it for her Christmas treats!

It couldn’t be easier, and it’s truly irresistible.

Sweet and Spicy Pretzel and Nut Mix
Adapted from a now forgotten online recipe

8 cups total small twist pretzels and mixed nuts (such as cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans) – I suggest half pretzels, half nuts
2 T unsalted butter, melted
6 T dark brown sugar
3 T maple syrup
1 t. cinnamon
½ - 1 t. cayenne (the former will add a warm note, 1 t. or more makes it spicy!)
1 t. coarse or kosher salt (skip this if you only have table salt)

Roast the nuts on a baking sheet at 350 for about 10 minutes, stirring once.

In a big bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, and maple syrup. Add the nuts, pretzels, and kosher salt, and stir until everything is evenly covered. Spread the mixture on 1-2 baking sheets (depending on how big they are) and return to the oven for 12 minutes, stirring at least twice. The pretzels WILL burn if you’re not careful, so don’t walk too far away! Remove from the oven and cool, separating the mixture as it cools.