Meze Platter with Maple & Sumac Roasted Walnuts

Meze Platter wtih Maple & Sumac Roasted Walnuts

Ingredients:

4 cups raw walnuts

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup raw white sesame seeds

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

kosher salt & black pepper

1 tablespoon ground sumac

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2. Prepare sheet pan with foil. Scatter nuts on sheet pan. Mix together maple syrup, sesame seeds, olive oil and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Then pour over nuts until they are evenly coated. Sprinle with black pepper and kosher salt.

3. Place in oven and roast, stirring occasionally until all nuts are golden and carmelized, 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and then sprinkle with sumac and a little more salt if you wish. Let cool then serve or package for a great hostess gift.

*Recipe adapted from Alison Roman's feature in Cooking Light magazine, November 2017.

*Sumac is not available at Trader Joe's, however, it is a great addition to any kitchen and can be found at many Middle Eastern markets or specialty spice stores.