I realize the title may be off-putting, but if my 72-year old mother wrote it down this way in her cookbook, I think we’re past worrying about being offensive. And trust me, once you try them, you’ll be just as hooked and will understand the inappropriate, yet very appropriate nature of the recipe name.

There are a few versions of this mixed nut recipe floating around. One you may find out there in the ether is referred to as Joe Biden’s Nuts. The recipe I’m listing here is closer to a version that was discovered randomly by my mother-in-law at Bed, Bath & Beyond (I think). I like this one the best because it combines so many unique and complex flavors. The result is a taste explosion, a party in my mouth, a true culinary adventure. In short, if you have functioning taste buds, you are going to love these.

These nuts are salty, savory, spicy, and sweet. A combination so satisfying, I literally cannot stop eating them once I start. There have been weeks where I make these multiple times because they’re just that darn good that they never tend to last long enough to be served at whatever event I was making them for. Disclaimer: they’re a tad spicy, but not so much that my zero heat tolerance mom still loves them.

I tend to make these around the holidays, and if I have the energy and ambition I’ll make them to go along with my Pretzel Feast. Enjoy!

Crack Nuts

Ingredients:

16 oz mixed nuts (I like to just use pecans and cashews)

2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp cayenne

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons water

2 cups dried cherries or cranberries

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced up

Steps:

1. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine salt, cinnamon, cumin, and cayenne in small ramekin.
3. Toast nuts in large skillet for about 5 minutes. Careful not to let them burn.
4. Add butter, stir until melted.
5. Add spices, stir 1 minute.
6. Add sugar and water, stir 2 minutes.
7. Spread onto parchment paper, quickly separating as much as possible before mixture cools.
8. When cool, add dried fruit and rosemary.
9. Store in airtight container or serve immediately.