You always need a bowl with something to nibble on when drinking sake at a table with friends and family. The right snack can also enhance umami and other flavor profiles of sake. This simple spiced nuts recipe should do the trick. Another plus: you can make a lot in advance and just keep it in a container for such occasions.
1 cup of nuts (unsalted almonds, pecans and/or walnuts work best)
2 tbsp of butter (unsalted is best)
1 tbsp of sugar
½ tsp of pumpkin pie spice
Pinch of salt
1 Melt butter in a saucepan on low to medium heat
2 Add sugar, salt and pumpkin pie spice until sugar melts
3 Pour in nuts and stir until they are generously coated, about 3~4 minutes
4 Allow to cool in a separate bowl and serve
*Note that it is possible to use almonds, but they should be blanched (flash-boiled, after which the skin comes peeling off).
It’s also possible to make your own pumpkin pie spice recipe, though pre-made mixture is readily available at many supermarkets.
