SWEET AND SALTY BACON AND NUTS

SWEET AND SALTY BACON AND NUTS image

Yield 6 people

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 oz (8-9) slices applewood-smoked bacon cut crosswise into 1 inch pieces
1 large egg white
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup raw almonds
1 cut walnuts, coarsely chopped (about 4 oz)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Steps:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cook the bacon over medium heat in a large skilled until brown and crisp, 8-9 minutes. Remove bacon using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Pour 1/4 cup of the bacon fat on a heavy rimmed baking sheet and spread evenly. Beat the egg white and salt until just foamy using a whisk in a medium bowl. Gradually add the sugar and beat until just blended. Add the almonds, walnuts and cayenne pepper. Toss until the nuts are coated. Spread the nut mixture in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake until the nuts are crisp and brown, about 35 minutes, turning and stirring the nut mixture with a metal spatula every 10-15 minutes. Cool for 2 hours. Transfer nut mixture to a bowl, add the bacon pieces and toss to blend. This recipe can be prepared 1 day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.