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Way too fattening!
I hear this statement all the time from weight watching folks, and I get it – I really do.
Honey Roasted Cashews
It’s true that all nuts pack a whollop of calories in a tiny little package, but you won’t see me turn them down.
A handful of nuts in a ziplock bag is the perfect snack. Those crunchy little nuggets of gold are loaded with healthy fats, fiber and antioxidants, and ultimately satisfying when hunger pangs hit.
Tropical Traditions Gold Label Coconut Oil
When Tropical Traditions sent me a jar of their Gold Label coconut oil, I knew the cashews and tiny bits of dried papaya I had in my pantry were destined for a roasted nuts recipe. I tossed the cashews into a bowl with melted coconut oil, honey, cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne to give them a mellow kick. Then I roasted them until their nutty fragrance filled the air, and my husband was pacing the kitchen looking for a bite.
Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil and Honey Roasted Cashews
When handfuls of dried papaya were added to the mix, I had sweet with heat – always a pleasing combination!
Tropical Traditions Gold Label Coconut Oil
I’m not new to the use of coconut oil. You’ll find it right alongside the olive oil in my pantry. Depending on the dish I’m building, I’ll reach for either one.
When it comes to the debate on the health benefits of coconut oil, after reading many an article from trusted resources, I’m convinced that it’s a healthy alternative. (Check out this well-written article from the New York Times if you’re looking for an unbiased review of the benefits of coconut oil.)
Tropical Traditions Gold Label coconut oil is a certified organic coconut oil that I found to be creamy, but without a strong coconut flavor. I don’t want my foods to have an overpowering coconut taste.
Thank you to Tropical Traditions for sharing their product with me. As you can see, I’ll put it to good use.
Happy, healthy cooking!
| Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil Cinnamon and Honey Cashews |
- 1 tablespoon Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, two if you like heat
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 cups raw cashews
- 1 cup diced dried papaya, or any dried fruit
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and take out a nonstick cookie sheet. You can line it with parchment paper, or very light coat with olive oil.
- Heat coconut oil, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and honey in a medium microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds until oil melts, then add nuts and toss to coat.
- Spread out on a cookie sheet and lightly sprinkle with sea salt.
- Bake stirring frequently to keep from burning for 10 – 20 minutes until nut start to toast. Remove and cool. Toss with fruit and seal in a container for future snacking.
Calories: 284
Weight Watchers PointsPlus 8
Total Fat: 18.78g
Cholesterol: –
Sodium: 6mg
Total Carbs: 20.36g
Dietary Fiber: 1.86g
Sugars: 7.64g
Protein: 8.61g
If you’re looking for more healthy and low calorie Weight Watchers recipes, check out my Recipe page. You’ll find hundreds of recipes that include nutrition information and Weight Watchers points.
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Please see disclaimer for further details. Nutrition information is compiled with MacGourmet. If you find discrepancies, please let me know. It’s important to me that I provide you with accurate information.
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{ 33 comments… read them below or add one }
Kristi, these cashews sound and look delicious…I like the idea of using coconut oil…and the dried papaya sure adds a nice flavor with the cashews.
Have a great weekend
Juliana recently posted…Coconut Macaroons from “Flour” and Happy 4th of July!
I found the papaya at our local PCC natural market. They were so reasonably priced that I couldn’t pass them up. You have a wonderful weekend too. The sun is shining here in Seattle, so everyone is happy here.
I won’t turn them down either! Gosh..I would probably finish them before I could stop eating those crunchy babies!
Have a lovely weekend!
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted…Mixed Seeds Light Rye Bread
I don’t usually spice nuts, just roast them and throw them in a sealed jar, but spicing them really adds wonderful flavor. We have sun here in Seattle, so we’re having a good weekend. I hope you do too!
Diet? Maybe after these honey roasted cashews. Not sure if I am stopping at just a handful. Looks really good, kristi. Have a good weekend!
wok with ray recently posted…Friend’s Post – Fried Catfish with Carrot & Raisin Salad by MJ’s Kitchen
I usually have to stop my husband, or the whole container will be gone, but I’m pretty good about sticking with my handful. Have great weekend Ray!
I like cashews.. have never tried spiced cashews actually.. But I heard somewhere (read) that coconut oil isn’t really good and healthy.. :/
Medeja recently posted…Šokoladiniai Pudingai su Šokolado Padažu/ Chocolate Puddings with Chocolate Sauce
Hi Medeja! If you’re interested you can check out this New York Times article. CNN Health also has a good article. While it’s true that coconut oil is 90% saturated fat, it contains medium-chain fatty acid called “lauric acid” that is thought to have several health benefits. Anyway, it’s my belief that all things in moderation is usually a good plan. Have a wonderful weekend!
When I eat nuts, I usually eat mine raw. I do love nuts but do become afraid of the calories. Interesting post and ideas!
I purchase raw nuts from Fred Meyer or Trader Joe’s because they’re so affordable, then most weeks I just roast them in the oven to enhance the flavor. My husband loves them that way. Thanks for visiting!
I love nuts…so many benefits. It’s the fat we DO want! I’m pretty convinced coconut oil is good (and delicious!)
Belinda @zomppa recently posted…US Farm Bill 2012: A Political Responsibility of the Food Movement
I know what you mean. I’m a big chip fan, but I find if I eat a small handful of nuts, those chip cravings go away.
I think low fat (and definitely no fat) has been over sold for most of us. Yes fat has more calories than protein or carbs, but it also fills you up much faster – a little goes a long way. I’ve never used coconut oil, but thanks to you, I will. Thanks for the links. And thanks for a nice post.
I agree with you. Healthy fats are far more satiating and terrific for our health too.
What a tasty snack! Yes you certainly did put the coconut oil to good use! And I love the addition of the dried papaya – what a great complement to the cashews!
mjskit recently posted…Fried Catfish and Carrot Raisin Salad – Picnic @ Ray’s
I found the papaya at our local pcc and it was so affordable I had to pick some up. I’ve thought about adding them to my next batch of muffins or even oatmeal. Thanks for visiting.
I think these would be addicting they look fabulous!
claudia @whats cookin italian cuisine recently posted…Watermelon Sorbet Adult Recipe
The cinnamon really made a difference.
I love snacking on nuts…and the sweet with the heat sounds perfect
I should have locked them up. I have self control, but my husband is a different story. Of course, if these were chips you’d have to lock them away from me.
Your Cinnamon and Honey Roasted Cashews look utterly delicious – after reading a number of recipes that list Coconut Oil as one of the ingredients and looking at your delicous looking nut mixture, I believe I should just pick up a jar at my health food store and give it a try! Cashews are my favorite nuts, I would so much like to have a taste right now…
Andrea recently posted…Nigel Slater´s "Rhubarb Cinnamon Polenta Cake"
You’ll have to let me know how you like it Andrea. I made my husband a breakfast burrito this morning using coconut oil to saute the veggies. It was terrific!
I never say no to nuts!These ones look irresistible!
Katerina recently posted…Pseftiés (Lies, The Savory Version)
The cinnamon and honey combination is addicting.
nuts, seeds and unsweetened dried fruits is my favorite choice of snack. they may be a little high in calorie but they give me lots of energy to keep going.
Love your coco-nutty cashews
Roxana GreenGirl { A little bit of everything} recently posted…Low-fat banana brownies
It’s so true – and I don’t get hungry quite as soon after a small handful. Love your banana brownies too!
I love your recipe but I can’t keep cashews in the house. They’re my favorite and I won’t have enough willpower to eat a reasonable portion. Walnuts, however, do the trick for me. I like them but not enough to overdo and usually just toss a small handful into my salads for some crunch, extra flavor and nutrition.
Anita at Hungry Couple recently posted…Lemon Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping
You could easily adapt this recipe for walnuts and almonds. Typically I just roast raw walnuts and almonds in the oven and toss them into a jar, but this was a nice change.
Wow Kristi, I have to make these real soon. Even though nuts are a trigger food for me I try hard to refrain myself from overdoing it.
It’s funny, I can limit the nuts, but the chips? If I get started on them, I’ll not stop until the bag is gone.
I agree that nuts are very healthy. It’s all a matter of sticking to a handful only! These look great!!
That is my problem too. I know that nuts are good for you and add wonderful needed fat to the diet, but it is such a trigger food for me. A small baggie of pistachios turns into eating the whole bag!
Judee @ Gluten Free A-Z recently posted…Homemade Cucumber Dill Dressing
That’s me and chips. Have a good weekend Judee!
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