[Gluten-Free] Sweet and Spicy Pretzels

Every once in a while, a flavor combination hits me and I can't let it go. I crave it. I dream about it. I got to have it. And that's exactly what happened when I discovered the amazing combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, cumin, and cayenne pepper. I know what you're thinking..."Is she crazy??" Let me tell you, the only crazy thing about this flavor combination is how crazy good it is. Something about the sweet and savory and spicy flavors all perfectly mixed together.... it's truly addicting.

I first discovered this powerful explosion of flavors when I was trying to conjure up a delicious trail mix for us to bring to our football tailgates. Patrick loves trail mix. His family does too. They bring it on every beach vacation or trip we've ever been on. And they always get the spiciest one! One year during a family beach trip, I made this trail mix. I still wasn't sure how they would react to the new dish, so I just slyly placed it on the coffee table to see what would happen. 20 minutes later... it was gone. GONE. I definitely had a winning flavor combination on my hands!

For the last five years I've been making that same delicious trail mix. I've made it for Christmas gifts, tailgates, and even baby showers. It never gets old! But I wanted to change it up a bit. Oh I wouldn't dare mess with the flavor, but I thought maybe instead of nuts, how about gluten-free pretzels! It would make the snack more snackable.

When Patrick got wind of this dramatic change to our trail mix status quo, he said "Are you crazy? It's perfect just the way it is." Crazy huh? I thought to myself, that's exactly what I'm looking for! A couple days later, Patrick was standing in our kitchen with a big smile on his face and a fist-full of Sweet and Spicy Pretzels saying, "I'm so glad you didn't listen to me."

.....okay, maybe those weren't his exact words, but trust me, he was thinking it :)

[Gluten-Free] Sweet and Spicy Pretzels

W A R N I N G: Making this delicious and simple recipe may dramatically increase the number of parties you are invited to, under the assumption that you will bring this dish. 

(or this one) You have been warned :)

Makes 4 cups

¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar

¾ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon water

4 cups gluten-free pretzels (I use Glutino brand)

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Place butter in a large sauté pan and heat over medium heat until melted. Whisk in the brown sugar mixture until it forms a brown paste. Then add the water. Stir constantly for about 1 minute. Turn off the heat and add the pretzels. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until all the pretzels are evenly coated.

Pour pretzels evenly over the baking sheets. Use a fork to separate the pretzels that may have clumped together. Let the pretzels dry and cool completely, about 30 minutes or longer. The pretzels will keep in an airtight container or zip-top bag for 3-4 days. 

recipe courtesy: laurenmarieglutenfree.com