The annual Belize Cashew Fest & Agricultural Show recently concluded. In case you missed it, the event was rich with cashew products, cashew inspired foods and wines, live entertainment and competitions. 

Cashews are a great source of minerals and proteins. They can help to reduce cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. They contain monosaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in cashews can decrease low density lipoprotein (LDL – bad fat) cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 

Cashews are also a good source of copper, which contributes to the maintenance of collagen and elasticity in our bodies. Their high magnesium content is crucial to bone formation. The manganese, copper and calcium found in cashews when combined to helps to prevent osteoporosis. 

If you are great at whipping up delicious treats, try these sweet cashew recipes from A Taste of Home! 

Cashew Clusters 

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb white candy coating, coarsely chopped 
• 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips 
• 4 ounces German sweet chocolate, chopped 
• 1/3 cup milk chocolate chips 
• 2 cups salted whole cashews (about 9 ounces) 

• 2 cups salted cashew halves and pieces (about 9 ounces) 

 

Method: 

• Place the white candy, semisweet chocolate chips, sweet chocolate and milk into a large microwave-safe bowl. 
• Cover and microwave at 50% power for 5-6 minutes or until melted. While in microwave, stir every 30 seconds.  

• Add the cashews and stir them into the mixture. 
• Use a tablespoon to drop the mixture onto baking paper (parchment/non-stick). Allow to stand until set.  
• Store in an airtight container. 

Spiced Rum-Nut Brittle 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup sugar 
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup 
• 1/2 cup chopped cashews 
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans 
• 1 teaspoon butter 

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 
• 1/8 teaspoon salt 
• Pinch ground nutmeg 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 

• 1/2 teaspoon rum (extract) 
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Method 

• Grease a 15x10x1-in. pan. Set aside. 
• Combine sugar and corn syrup in a 2-qt. microwave-safe bowl.  

• Set microwave to high. Microwave uncovered for 3 minutes. 
• Open the microwave and stir the contents of the bowl. Close microwave and let run for 2-1/2 minutes more.  
• Stir in the cashews, pecans, butter, cinnamon, cayenne, salt and nutmeg. 
• Microwave uncovered on high for an additional 2 minutes or until mixture turns a light amber colour.   
• Quickly stir in baking soda and extracts until the mixture is light and foamy.  

• Pour into prepared pan. Spread with a metal spatula.  
• Allow to cool completely. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container. 

 

We hope you like the recipes! 

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Important reminder: If you have a nut allergy, you should avoid eating cashews and foods that contain it. Cashews contain potent allergens that can lead to anaphylactic shock. Avoid eating raw cashew. These contain a chemical called urushiol which is toxic and can trigger skin reactions in some persons. Lastly, some brands of roasted or salted cashews may have a high concentration of salt and fat, which can be unhealthy. 

 

Sources: Medical News Today, Food Facts Merola, Today’s Dietician, A Taste of Home