Best Classic Cocktail Peanuts Recipes

ALMOST-FAMOUS HONEY-ROASTED PEANUTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 ̊ F. Lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
• Combine the sugar, honey, 3 tablespoons water, the vanilla and 1⁄2 teaspoon salt in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the sugar dissolves. Add the peanuts and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins simmering, about 1 minute. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sugar mixture dries out and clings to the nuts, 2 to 4 more minutes. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and spread in an even layer.
• Bake the nuts until the sugar coating begins melting, about 10 minutes. Stir, then continue baking until the nuts are golden brown and glazed in spots, 2 to 4 more minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and stir the nuts to distribute the caramel. Let cool on the baking sheet. Store, covered, at room temperature for up to 1 week.

LOW COUNTRY BOILED PEANUTS

Steps:

• Put the water in a large stockpot, add the salt, and bring to a boil. Add the peanuts and simmer for 1 to 2 hours, testing a peanut occasionally, until the shells tear open with ease and the peanuts inside are completely tender (even a little mushy).
• Drain and serve warm. Uneaten peanuts can be stored in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Heat cold peanuts to hand-hot in the microwave before serving.

LOW COUNTRY BOILED PEANUTS

Steps:

• Put the water in a large stockpot, add the salt, and bring to a boil. Add the peanuts and simmer for 1 to 2 hours, testing a peanut occasionally, until the shells tear open with ease and the peanuts inside are completely tender (even a little mushy).
• Drain and serve warm. Uneaten peanuts can be stored in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Heat cold peanuts to hand-hot in the microwave before serving.
• Note: To make this recipe, you must have green peanuts--uncooked, fresh peanuts, which are still tender and not dried or crunchy. Outside the Southern US, green peanuts can sometimes be purchased at specialty or gourmet stores, or mail-ordered. Don't try this with dried or cooked peanuts.

ROSEMARY PEANUTS

Steps:

• Finely chop rosemary and add with sugar to saucepan. Add enough water to make wet sand texture. Simmer on low heat until mixture is just starting to turn beige. Turn off heat. Add peanuts to saucepan and stir rapidly until syrup coats peanuts evenly. Cool the peanuts before serving to allow the syrup to harden.