There are snacks you nibble on absentmindedly, and then there are snacks that stop the conversation. These Spice Rum Glazed Nuts belong in the second category. They are glossy, golden, sweet with just the right touch of warmth, and so addictive that the bowl will always be empty long before you are ready for it to be.
This recipe is one of my favorites from my book The Island Spirit: The Ultimate Guide to Rum Infused Cocktails and Cuisine. It takes something simple and familiar and gives it a spirited twist with Kōloa Spice Rum. The result is the kind of snack that feels just as right at a holiday gathering as it does on a quiet night in with a movie.
What makes them special is the glaze. Butter, brown sugar, spice, and a splash of rum come together to create a syrup that clings to every curve and corner of the nuts. Once baked, it transforms into a crisp coating that shatters lightly with each bite. You get the crunch of toasted nuts, the warmth of cinnamon and clove, and a whisper of island spirit in every handful.
These nuts are also endlessly versatile. Serve them as a bar snack, toss them onto a salad for crunch, or wrap them up in jars for an instant homemade gift. Better yet, make a double batch. You will be glad you did.
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