Chilli & fennel frosted nuts

Give an edible present this Christmas like these moreish frosted nuts with chilli. Present them in gift bags, or serve them with drinks at a festive party

Prep:5 mins
Cook:10 mins
Plus cooling

Easy

Nutrition per serving

kcal 267
fat 12g
saturates 2g
carbs 35g
sugars 34g
fibre 1g
protein 3g
salt 0.4g

Ingredients

600g caster sugar
1 tbsp fennel seeds
1½ tsp dried chilli flakes
350g mixed nuts(we used a mix of brazils, macadamias, pecans, pistachios and walnuts)
1½ tsp flaky sea salt

Method

Put the sugar and 150ml water in a pan, bring to the boil, then reduce by half, but don’t let it caramelise – remove swiftly from the heat if this begins to happen.
Tip the fennel seeds and chilli into a mortar and gently crush using a pestle (or use a heavy saucepan and a rolling pin) to just crack the seeds and break down the chilli a little.
Add the fennel and chilli to the sugar along with the nuts and 1½ tsp sea salt, stirring quickly to crystallise the sugar. Scrape the nuts out of the pan and on to a baking sheet lined with non-stick parchment. Leave to cool.