A Sexy Sidecar and Spiced Pecans

I feel a cocktail time coming on…..Oh my! Nothing sexier than a classic cocktail and some spiced nuts.

 

The sidecar is a classic cocktail that was invented around the 1920’s in Europe. This was a popular and zingy drink in the 1940’s.  I love the fresh zesty citrus in this drink and mixes perfect with some spicy sweet nuts too much on. The perfect cocktail hour combination that will set people to dancing and having a grand old time. Mmmmm, I do believe I found a FOODGASM in my cocktail. Enjoy!

    

         

Sexy Sidecar

Ingredients

2 ½ oz. Cognac or brandy
1 ½ oz. Cointreau
½ oz. fresh lemon juice

½ oz. fresh orange juice

Ice

For garnish

Superfine sugar (or regular sugar pulsed in food processor)

Slice of orange and lemon

Directions

Put the ice, cognac (or brandy), Cointreau and juices into a martini shaker (or into a martini stirrer) and shake till combined and chilled.

For rim/garnish super fine sugar and orange and lemon slices

Serve in a martini glass or classic champagne saucer glass.

Spiced Pecans

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter

1/3 cup dark-brown sugar
1/3 cup white granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon ground chipotle powder (or cayenne if you can’t find this)

1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/8 teaspoon  ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pound pecan halves

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°. In a small bowl, combine the spices and sugars. Spread the pecans on a large, rimmed baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes, until fragrant.

Transfer the pecans to a large bowl and toss with the butter. Add the spices and toss to coat. Return the pecans to the baking sheet and bake in over for 3 to 4 minutes longer, until fragrant. Let cool.