BACARO’S SAVORY ROASTED NUTS

1/8 cup egg whites

8 ounces whole blanched almonds

8 ounces skinless hazelnuts

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoon hot smoked paprika (see note)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Whisk egg whites in a bowl just until they start to foam. Fold in sugar, salt and paprika. Add nuts and salt and toss to coat evenly.

Pour the nuts onto sheet of foil or Silpat-lined baking sheet. Be sure to spread the nuts out evenly in a single layer trying not to bunch them together.

Bake at 350 degrees until the nuts are golden and fragrant. Check them often as each oven cooks differently. Once nuts are golden brown, remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Gently separate the nuts and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes: Hot, smoked paprika can be substituted by using half cayenne pepper and half Hungarian paprika. This recipe makes a good amount of nuts for storing and making some jars for gifts.