BAR SNACKS JUST GOT BETTER

Maple-Glazed Peanuts & Bacon

                                                                  © Lucy Schaeffer

Recipe by Meg Grace

The Redhead · Manhattan

"Because everything's better with bacon," reads the menu description for these addictive nuts. The sweet and salty snack has become so popular that the restaurant now sells it online in packs of three 8-ounce mason jars (theredheadnyc.com).

SERVINGS: Makes about 4 cups

MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

3 thick slices of bacon (3 ounces)

1 tablespoon thyme leaves, minced

1 tablespoon kosher salt

3/4 teaspoon Monarch Cajun Seasoning

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

3 cups unsalted roasted peanuts (1 pound)

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°. In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then finely chop.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the thyme, salt, Cajun seasoning, cayenne and dry mustard. Add the peanuts, maple syrup and bacon and toss until the peanuts are evenly coated. Scrape the nuts onto a parchment paper–lined baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes, stirring once, until the maple syrup has thickened. Let the peanuts cool completely, stirring frequently to break up any large clumps. Transfer the peanuts to glass jars or a large bowl and serve.

Make Ahead

The peanuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Posted by Chef Bill Brooks, Corporate Chef, U.S. Foodservice, Inc

Opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily

reflect those of U.S. Foodservice, Inc