Spicy Flavor Combinations

• Spicy cashews can be customized to suit your tastes. Try combining a splash of lime juice with few dashes of cayenne pepper and chili powder to create chili-lime cashews. Try combining a squirt of Sriracha or similar hot sauce with freshly grated ginger and sesame seeds for cashews with an Asian zing. Curry powder and lemon juice add an Indian-inspired flavor and cumin, mango powder and red chili flakes create a sweet and spicy combination.

Stir-Fried

• To stir-fry the cashews, bring a saute pan to medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive or canola oil and add the cashews to the pan, tossing them to coat them in the oil. Add a few dashes of seasoning, again tossing to coat. Taste and add more if they're not spicy enough. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the cashews are warmed through and turn golden brown, approximately seven to eight minutes. Keep a close eye on the cashews because they can burn quickly. Pour the cashews into a container and let cool. Note: If you’re worried about the burning the seasoning, you can also toss the cashews in seasoning immediately after you have removed them from the pan.

Oven-Roasted

• Heat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Add a drizzle of olive or canola oil or a few splashes of lemon or lime juice to a bowl. Add a few dashes of the seasonings and whisk to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning mix as needed. Add cashews and toss to coat. Pour the cashews onto a lightly greased or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to encourage even browning. Remove from oven and let cool.

Don’t Crowd the Cashews

• During cooking, avoid crowding the cashews. The cashews should be arranged in a single layer, with an ample amount of space to allow the air to circulate and promote even cooking. If you plan to prepare a lot of spicy cashews, prepare them in batches.