8/17/16 2/05/16

Easy Party Appetizer Recipe: Tiki Snack Mix

Eff That Diet! This Snack Mix Has Bacon in It, and We're Not Apologizing

February 5, 2016 by Nicole Perry

Not often are salty cashews, smoky bacon, sweet-tart dried pineapple, and umami-rich soy sauce all packed into one bite, but here's arguing that they should be. Is this snack mix over the top? Heck yes! Is it the exact opposite of the kale-, quinoa-, and chia-seed everything prevalent this time of year? Absolutely. Is it the perfect thing for your Super Bowl viewing party (or really any time you want to treat yourself)? Do we even need to answer that question?

Tiki Snack Mix

Adapted from Food & Wine

Notes

If you can find it, sweeter, chewier, candied pineapple is preferable to no-sugar-added dried pineapple, but both work. For faster prep, use kitchen shears to cut the pineapple into bite-size pieces.

Ingredients

8 thick slices of meaty bacon
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
3 cups (14 1/2 ounces) salted roasted cashews and/or peanuts
4 candied or dried pineapple rings, cut into 1/3-inch triangles

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the bacon in a single layer on a rack set over a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake until the bacon is chewy, edging on crisp, about 25 minutes. Drain on paper towels, and cut into 1/2-inch strips.
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, cayenne, and sesame seeds. Add the bacon, nuts, and pineapple; toss to coat.
Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring once, until the glaze is no longer sticky.