Five Spice Mixed Nuts

Five Spice Mixed Nuts

by | Dec 27, 2019 | GLUTEN FREE, SNACKS, VEGETARIAN | 0 comments

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Five Spiced Mixed Nuts in a small bowl on a gold tray with white napkins and glasses of champagne.

Do you have a New Year’s Eve gathering and need tasty nibbles to pass along with your bubbly? Five Spice Mixed Nuts are very snackable and rather addictive with a hint of spice and sugar. They’re the party favour that you just can’t stop grabbing at. You’ll find a pleasant mixture of Chinese five-spice, maple syrup and brown sugar. The nuts are coated just enough for a light sugary chew with a lingering spice that you can’t quite put your finger on. The added dried cherries lend a little extra sweetness and soft texture to balance the crunchy nuts.

Five Spice Mixed Nuts is a simple recipe to toss together and will keep in an airtight container for a couple of weeks. They’re perfect to make ahead for any social gathering. Enjoy your holidays and Happy New Year to you and your family. I wish you a wonderful year ahead!

Author:  Compelled to Cook

Five Spice Mixed Nuts
Print Recipe
    Servings Prep Time
    5 cups 10 minutes
    Cook Time Passive Time
    60 minutes 1+ hours
    Servings Prep Time
    5 cups 10 minutes
    Cook Time Passive Time
    60 minutes 1+ hours
    Five Spice Mixed Nuts
    Print Recipe
      Servings Prep Time
      5 cups 10 minutes
      Cook Time Passive Time
      60 minutes 1+ hours
      Servings Prep Time
      5 cups 10 minutes
      Cook Time Passive Time
      60 minutes 1+ hours
      Ingredients
      Servings: cups
      Instructions
      1. Preheat oven to 225°F. Spray a large baking tray with non-stick spray.
      2. In a large bowl toss together nuts.
      3. In a medium bowl whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, egg white, water, Chinese five spice and sea salt. Pour over nuts and stir to coat evenly.
      4. Spread nuts evenly on a large baking tray. Bake for 60 minutes, turning every 15 minutes. If using dried cherries stir them in halfway through baking time.
      5. Remove from oven and loosen from the baking tray. Allow nuts to cool completely before breaking apart. Will keep in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

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      Spicy Peanut Chicken and Couscous

      Spicy Peanut Chicken and Couscous

      by | Nov 1, 2019 | CHICKEN | 0 comments

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      Spicy Peanut Chicken and Couscous served in a shallow black bowl.

      Spicy Peanut Chicken with Couscous comes together in a snap and is full of flavour with just a touch of spicy heat.  The best part about this dish is the peanut sauce.  It’s so versatile and wonderful with the chicken.  But you don’t have to stop with just using chicken.  Drizzle the peanut sauce over noodles, drizzle on roasted salmon or use as a dip for beef skewers.  My recipe for Peanut Sauce makes about one and a half cups and freezes well, giving you no excuse not to have some on hand. It may need a good stir and a splash of water or coconut milk to set the consistency the way you like it and depending on what you’re using it for.

      It’s best to get your pan good and hot with a drizzle of oil to give the chicken chunks a good sear.  Having golden, carmelized bits adds extra flavour and helps to seal in the moisture of the chicken.  You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast for this recipe.  Both work well, so it comes down to preference. Marinating the chicken in soy sauce, fresh ginger and garlic also add extra flavour to this dish.  It’s not completely necessary but something I like to do when I have the time or remember to do it.

      Peanut sauce in a mason jar on a wooden plank garnished with peanuts and mini peppers in preparation for Spicy Peanut Chicken and Couscous.

      I love instant couscous for its ease of preparation and fun texture.  Instant couscous cooks at a 1:1 ratio and is ready in about 10 minutes from start to finish.  I like to make mine with chicken broth for added flavour but water works fine too.  It’s a great side dish for those nights when you need something quick and it’s delicious served with Spicy Peanut Chicken.  If you’re not into the couscous, by all means, serve the Spicy Peanut Chicken over noodles or rice.  Enjoy!

      Spicy Peanut Chicken and Couscous served in a shallow black bowl.

      Author:  Compelled to Cook

      Spicy Peanut Chicken and Couscous served in a shallow black bowl.
      Spicy Peanut Chicken and Couscous
      Print Recipe
        Servings Prep Time
        3-4 people 30 minutes
        Cook Time Passive Time
        15 minutes 0-3 hours
        Servings Prep Time
        3-4 people 30 minutes
        Cook Time Passive Time
        15 minutes 0-3 hours
        Spicy Peanut Chicken and Couscous served in a shallow black bowl.
        Spicy Peanut Chicken and Couscous
        Print Recipe
          Servings Prep Time
          3-4 people 30 minutes
          Cook Time Passive Time
          15 minutes 0-3 hours
          Servings Prep Time
          3-4 people 30 minutes
          Cook Time Passive Time
          15 minutes 0-3 hours
          Ingredients
          Servings: people
          Instructions
          1. Cut chicken into thin slices and combine with soy sauce, garlic, ginger and 2 tsp oil. Cover and keep chilled for an hour if time permits or up to 3 hours in advance.
          2. Bring chicken broth to a simmer. Stir in couscous and cover with a lid. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
          3. Meanwhile, heat remaining 3 tsp oil over medium-high heat in a wok or large skillet. Add chicken slices and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, tossing occasionally for about 6 minutes.
          4. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in 3/4-1 cup of peanut sauce. You want enough to coat the chicken and make it saucy. Allow peanut sauce to warm but don't let it get too hot or it may separate.
          5. Fluff couscous with a fork and divide between serving bowls. Top with chicken, a drizzle of sauce and garnish with green onion, cilantro and chili peppers if desired.
          Recipe Notes

          -You can use my delicious Peanut Sauce or store-bought peanut sauce.

          -Prep time does not include making the peanut sauce.

           

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          I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
          Peanut Sauce

          Peanut Sauce

          by | Jul 15, 2019 | CONDIMENTS AND SAUCES | 0 comments

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          A spoon heavy with peanut sauce stands against a mason jar filled with peanut sauce.

           

          Hello, peanut sauce lovers!!  You’ll love this simple and delicious Peanut Sauce recipe that takes no time at all to come together.  The wonderful flavour comes from a little red curry paste, coconut milk, garlic and ginger.  It’s so good, and you’ll want to enjoy it with so many things.

           

          Whole peanuts fill a mason jar that is surrounded by ginger, curry paste, garlic, lime and coconut milk in preparation for Peanut Sauce.

           

          How to enjoy this lovely Peanut Sauce….let me count the ways.

          -toss with a noodle stir fry
          -smother on cooked pork ribs and bake
          -drizzle on shrimp tacos
          -as a dip for summer rolls
          -as a dip for pork, chicken or beef satay
          -broiled on salmon fillets
          -toss with chunks of chicken and serve over couscous
          -tossed into a salad
          -as a dip for vegetables

           

          A spoon heavy with peanut sauce stands against a mason jar filled with peanut sauce.

          Author: Compelled to Cook

          A spoon heavy with peanut sauce stands against a mason jar filled with peanut sauce.
          Peanut Sauce
          Print Recipe
            Servings Prep Time
            1 1/2 cups 15 minutes
            Cook Time
            10 minutes
            Servings Prep Time
            1 1/2 cups 15 minutes
            Cook Time
            10 minutes
            A spoon heavy with peanut sauce stands against a mason jar filled with peanut sauce.
            Peanut Sauce
            Print Recipe
              Servings Prep Time
              1 1/2 cups 15 minutes
              Cook Time
              10 minutes
              Servings Prep Time
              1 1/2 cups 15 minutes
              Cook Time
              10 minutes
              Ingredients
              Servings: cups
              Instructions
              1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Whisk over low-medium heat until smooth. Increase heat to medium and whisk until slightly thickened and the sauce comes barely to a simmer (do not boil).
              2. Remove from heat and adjust thickness with a little more water or coconut milk if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
              Recipe Notes

              -The sauce will thicken as it cools, adjust thickness with a splash of water or coconut milk to suit your taste.

              -The sauce will keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to a week and in the freezer for a month.

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              Affiliate Disclosure

              I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
              Chocolate Crunch Peanut Butter Cookies

              Chocolate Crunch Peanut Butter Cookies

              by | Jun 20, 2018 | COOKIES | 0 comments

              What do you get when peanut butter cookie dough gets tangled up with chocolate covered peanuts?  One darn good cookie that’s crisp, buttery and loaded with little chunks of chocolate peanuts.  These lovely Chocolate Crunch Peanut Butter Cookies have nice peanut flavour and just a bit of chew at the centre.  They’re wonderful with a glass of milk or cup of coffee, which makes them a cookie that the whole family will love.  

              Recipe source for Chocolate Crunch Peanut Butter Cookies:  Adapted slightly from Company’s Coming Peanut Butter Cookies

              Chocolate Crunch Peanut Butter Cookies
              Print Recipe
                Servings Prep Time
                3 dozen 30 minutes
                Cook Time
                10-11 minutes
                Servings Prep Time
                3 dozen 30 minutes
                Cook Time
                10-11 minutes
                Chocolate Crunch Peanut Butter Cookies
                Print Recipe
                  Servings Prep Time
                  3 dozen 30 minutes
                  Cook Time
                  10-11 minutes
                  Servings Prep Time
                  3 dozen 30 minutes
                  Cook Time
                  10-11 minutes
                  Ingredients
                  Servings: dozen
                  Instructions
                  1. Preheat oven to 375℉ and position oven rack to the centre. Line baking trays with parchment and set aside.
                  2. In a small bowl whisk together flour, baking soda and salt.
                  3. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or electric hand mixer, cream together butter and sugars until light. Add egg and beat until light and fluffy.
                  4. Add peanut butter and vanilla and beat on low until just combined. Stir in flour mixture on low speed to combine just until flour is absorbed, scraping bowl once. Add in chopped chocolate covered peanuts and mix on low until evenly distributed.
                  5. Using a 1 ounce scoop, scoop cookies onto prepared sheet, spacing at least 2" apart. Flatten cookies using your palm or bottom of a small cup dipped in flour to prevent sticking. Top each cookie with a whole chocolate covered peanut.
                  6. Bake for 10-11 minutes until golden. Remove pan and allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on tray before moving to a cooling rack.
                  Recipe Notes

                  I prefer to bake one tray at a time, however if baking two trays, swap trays halfway through baking.

                  Recipe yields 3 dozen 2 3/4" cookies.

                  Chicken and Celery Peanut Noodles

                  Chicken and Celery Peanut Noodles

                  by | Feb 22, 2018 | CHICKEN, PASTA | 0 comments

                  Did you ever eat celery with peanut butter as a kid? Chicken and Celery Peanut Noodles combines this great flavour combination with a touch of spice, tender chicken, and saucy noodles. It’s a quick and delicious weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy!

                  You’ll love how the peanut butter virtually creates a creamy sauce on its own as it warms and coats the noodles and everything else that’s all tangled up in them. Along with the peanuts, the celery brings its inherent crunch to the dish, enhancing its texture and flavour. Chicken and Celery Peanut Noodles is a fantastic combination of flavours and textures but you don’t have to stop there. Celery is also great stir fried with beef, so next time you grab the wok be sure to reach for that crisp bundle of fresh celery to add to your veggie mix.

                  Recipe source for Chicken and Celery Peanut Noodles:  Compelled To Cook

                  Chicken and Celery Peanut Noodles
                  Print Recipe
                    Servings Prep Time
                    4 people 20 minutes
                    Cook Time
                    15 minutes
                    Servings Prep Time
                    4 people 20 minutes
                    Cook Time
                    15 minutes
                    Chicken and Celery Peanut Noodles
                    Print Recipe
                      Servings Prep Time
                      4 people 20 minutes
                      Cook Time
                      15 minutes
                      Servings Prep Time
                      4 people 20 minutes
                      Cook Time
                      15 minutes
                      Ingredients
                      Servings: people
                      Instructions
                      1. Cutting against the grain, slice chicken breast into thin strips. Set aside.
                      2. In a small bowl whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar and chill paste.
                      3. Cook noodles as per package directions and allow to drain in colander while proceeding.
                      4. Heat approximately 1 tbsp of oil over high heat in a wok or large skillet with sides. Once hot add half the chicken and cook, stirring once or twice for 3-5 minutes until chicken is no longer pink and starts to brown. Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining chicken.
                      5. Add a little more oil to the pan and sauté garlic for 1 minute, stirring often. Add chicken broth and celery. Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes until most of the broth has evaporated, stirring occasionally. Stir in red peppers and sauté for 1 minute. Reduce heat and stir in peanut sauce, chicken, noodles, half of the peanuts and half of the green onion. Toss to combine, adding a little more chicken broth if needed. Divide among serving dishes and top with peanuts and green onion. Serve immediately.
                      Recipe Notes

                      I used thick noodles for this recipe, but feel free to use your favourite size.  Fresh Chinese noodles can be found in the produce section of most supermarkets.