This past week has been a whirlwind of school Christmas parties, last minute shopping, late-night gift making, cooking for the book, bbqs and catch-ups with friends. It’s been awesome, but I feel like I haven’t sat once to catch my breath until today. The kids have been nagging at me all day to go out ‘and do something fun’, but me, I’m shattered. Too shattered to barely lift a finger, melting in the heat of summer already. I just need a few days to catch up on some sleep (and finish reading my new book) before the real madness of the silly season begins, that’s not too much to ask eh? Yeah, tell that to my kids as they bounce off the walls. Haha.
Somehow we’ve managed to fluke a good roster this year, meaning Si will be home in time for the big day. He flies in on Christmas eve. The kids have wondered if he might be catching a ride with Santa…
Wishing you all the best for the festive season. Like they say over here in Aussie-land, it’s going to be a ripper of a day here, with temperatures soaring to 40C/104F! We’re spending lunch with friends (who just casually have a pool!), before heading over to Si’s mums later on for a Vietnamese feast. I’m sure there will be many full puku’s (tummies) by the end of the day… xx Emm
spiced nuts
My friend who’s hosting her family at her house for Christmas this year, has been talking about making her famous spiced nuts recipe. It’s been on my mind ever since our conversation. So naturally it lead to me making my own…
Makes 500g
500g mixed nuts and seeds (I used almonds, cashews, peanuts and pumpkin (pepita) seeds
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 teaspoons coriander seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon black pepper corns
1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unrefined raw sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
Preheat oven to 160C/315F. Grind all of the spices except turmeric and cinnamon in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until fine. Place nuts/seeds into a bowl and combine with the rest of the ingredients. Mix until well coated. Spread out onto a baking tray in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until lovely and golden. Remove from the oven and cool. Store airtight.
15 Responses
I love having a perfect excuse to eat nuts at Christmas. they are everywhere and that makes me happy. Enjoy your time in the heat and with your friends ( with the swimming pool). .:)
What a delicious looking snack – perfect for nibbling on with bubbles on Christmas Day! I can't wait for the family madness that is Christmas, but am also taking comfort in the few days of calm before it all begins 🙂
Merry Christmas, Emma! I'm guessing it'll be humid as hell as per usual south of the Bombays – not sure whether I'd prefer that or the scorching heat of Australia. Hope it's a wonderful day. Love all those spices in the nuts, the sort of thing I could absentmindedly polish off entirely by myself!
That's a great combination of spices to make those nuts totally moreish. It sounds like you are going to have a fun Christmas day. Enjoy it.
40°C? Oh my gosh and I thought we were warm here.
Thanks for this recipe. Saves me trawling as I have spiced nuts on my baking list for Christmas. Hope that you and yours have a truly fantastic Christmas. I shall try and not hold it against you that you're sunning yourself and we're huddling against the wind and rain :o)
Trust me when I say, right now I'd rather be somewhere with rain than here. This heat is MENTAL! xx
Lots of nice spices! I can only imagine how tasty these nuts are!
Happy Christmas Em. I hope you and Si and the kids have a lovely day and wish you a wonderful New Year (and I'm really looking forward to your new book!)
XXXOOO
Thanks Janet! Love to you too xx
I love the blend of flavors you've got there.
Perfect drinkies snacks! I love that the kids suggested Si gets a lift with Santa. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas.
Thanks Alli, we had a wonderful day xx
Gosh, that looks deelish!
Love! So makeing these on the weekend! The perfect pre BBQ snack. Hope it is not too swletering over your way!
Haha it's always sweltering over here in summer 🙂 Mind you it has cooled down a tad this past week. Not up in the 40's any more, thankfully! xx