Thursday, December 13, 2012

Friday Night Bites | Smoky, Spicy and Sweet Bourbon Peanuts



A vacation day - what a rare opportunity that I take advantage of, but need to more – especially after such a wonderful day that I have had so far today.  It is a day filled with food, friends, laughs, good conversation and great memories.

Patty from Patty’s Food arranged several weeks ago a cookie swap and lunch for a group of food bloggers.  I could hardly wait to attend and finally the day had arrived. From all sides of the bay Area, we made our way into
San Francisco to dine at Tyler Florence's Wayfare Tavern.  It was fantastic to see Patty, Bonnie, Azmina, Gina, Rose, Jean and Liren.  We ate well. I guess that is what food bloggers do. Smile.  From the signature Fried Chicken to Bone Marrow to Deviled Eggs to Cauliflower Soup with Lobster Beignets to Mac & Cheese with Smoked Olive Oil, it was a true feast.



After we finished gorging ourselves, well maybe not quite dramatic of a word, the best part was yet to arrive - the highly anticipated cookie swap.  Patty arranged this swap perfectly.  Each person brought half dozen cookies to share with everyone plus four to cut in half to enjoy at the table with a cup of piping hot coffee.  I wish you all could have dived into the cookies.  These are some talented ladies.  Always fun to catch up with these ladies and today was no exception. Big smile. We even packaged up the shared cookies and gave to our waiter as a special gift.  




I wanted to share these smoky, spicy and sweet bourbon peanuts for my Friday night bites weekly series.  I was instantly inspired by Jean’s Bourbon Pistachios and knew I had to make my own version pronto.  Since I had recently purchased a bag of peanuts; that was my nut of choice.  While searching my pantry I found a bottle of smoked paprika and built the recipe from this delightful spice.  The result was an enjoyable peanut that was smoky first, then sweet with a spicy finish. They were a hit at my office.  Thank you Jean for the inspirational nut recipe.  

Now it is time to head off for our annual holiday dinner with my book club.  Another great restaurant to enjoy tonight, just hope I have some resemblance of an appetite after today’s lunch. I wonder how much discussion will actually happen around this month’s selection - Telegraph Avenue. Smile. Wink.


Smoky, Spicy and Sweet Bourbon Peanuts

8 (oz) Bag of Shelled Peanuts
3 T. Bourbon
2 T. Maple Syrup
3 T. Brown Sugar
1 t. Salt
½ t. Cayenne Pepper
1 t. Smoked Paprika

Preheat oven to 250 degrees

Use a medium sized bowl and add all of the ingredients together except the peanuts.  Mix well.  Next add the peanuts and coat well with the bourbon mixture.  Use a sheet pan with sides and spread the peanuts evenly.

Cook for 25 minutes.  Halfway through, stir the peanuts to ensure they are well coated.  Remove and let cool. Use a spatula to loosen the peanuts and store in an airtight container.


13 comments:

  1. Such a fun day and these peanuts look amazing!

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  2. I saw some of your luncheon photos on Instagram- Yum! (That bone marrow looked beyond delicious!!)

    Your smoky-spicy sweet Bourbon peanut looks beyond delicious too. :D I love spiced, salty snacks!

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  3. Your cookie swap looked like so much fun! These peanuts sound incredibly addicting, in the best way possible! :)

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  4. How fun, your pictures of the swap are so fun to see! That has to be an annual event;-) I'm so glad everybody had such a fun and delicious time!
    And your peanuts-that's a winning Friday night bite recipe;-)

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  5. What a fun get together and treat to enjoy each other's cookies. Those were some lucky waiters. Your peanuts look amazing! I might have a hard time sharing:)

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  6. It was SO much fun! I have been photographing and eating from my "treasure" stash all day :) I have a weakness for salty caramel ooey gooey deliciousness so I LOVED your cookies and hope to make them soon!

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  7. Sounds like you ladies had a wonderful lunch! What a great way to gather local, talented food bloggers from the Bay Area. Hope you have a nice weekend!

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  8. Oh, I wish I could have joined you! Such FUN!!! And I just know the food was all terrific...how could it not be?? And your peanuts are the perfect hostess gift for the holidays...if there are any left after I start sampling for quality control :)

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  9. Lisa, it's always so good to see you and it was such fun at the cookie swap catching up with everyone. I agree with Patty that this should be an annual event.

    So glad that my bourbon maple pistachios inspired these smoky, spicy, sweet bourbon peanuts. I love the addition of paprika here. You always know how to take something and make it even better! This is the perfect Friday Night bite. :)

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  10. What a fun lunch, wish I lived near by to enjoy the comradery but that is what is great about blogging is feeling like you are all part of my life due to this food blogging hobby. Your peanuts look yummy and I do need to try doing the same with my favorite nuts!

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  11. The peanuts sound amazing, love the flavors!
    I saw your pics on FB - looks like you guys had a great lunch, and such a fun cookie exchange!

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  12. How lovely a party ...cookie swaps are the best:)I love spicy peanuts and would not be opposed to finishing a bowl by myself;)

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  13. Oh how lovely that gathering must have been :) And these peanuts look delicious!

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