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Friday, August 22, 2008
Drinks before dinner?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Often when dining out with friends we’ll meet at one of our homes first for a beverage and a chance to catch up, especially if we have a late reservation.
While I love having the quiet time to converse before we have to compete with the near-deafening restaurant noise, sometimes I find that the “little noshes” some friends serve are bigger than many meals. This happened a couple of times over the summer. Before heading out for dinner they served a giant antipasti with cheeses, meats and olives. I was ready to call that dinner and head back home after a half an hour. By the time we got to the restaurant people barely touched their meal.
While I don’t like to drink “alone”, i.e. without having something to eat, it is hard to find a nibble that isn’t overwhelming. One of my favorite solutions is to serve spiced nuts. I find them to be the perfect light snack to munch while imbibing. Here’s one of my favorite recipes.
Spiced Nuts
1 (11.5-ounce) can assorted unsalted nuts
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons butter, melted
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake nuts for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the rosemary, brown sugar, salt and cayenne. Add the butter. Thoroughly toss the warm nuts with the spiced butter and serve warm.
What is your favorite light food to serve with drinks before dinner?
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