Microwaved Nibbly Nuts

This is a quick and easy way to make tasty savoury nuts, perfect to go with drinks.

Raw nuts, eg cashews, macadamias, brazils, blanched almonds
Olive Oil (leftover flavoured oil from marinated feta or sun-dried tomatoes is super-good)
Lemon Juice (enough to offset the greasiness of the oil)

To taste: Vegetarian Tom Yum Paste, Vegetarian Oyster (Mushroom) Sauce, Sesame Oil, Wasabi Paste, Soy Sauce, Chili Sauce, BBQ Sauce, Pesto, Vegemite dissolved in a little warm water, Wholegrain Mustard - whatever flavours you fancy. The more different ingredients, the more complex the flavour - which is what I like personally :)

Shake all the flavourings together in a jar. Add a few nuts to break up the thicker ingredients (eg wasabi) until it's an oily smooth paste. Mix through the nuts and place on heatproof dish (eg earthenware or Pyrex) in a thin layer. Microwave for 3 mins uncovered, then stir the nuts to even up the crunchy coating. Microwave and stir in decreasing intervals to avoid burning - it will get VERY hot and you need to make sure it doens't burn in some areas, especially if your microwave has 'hot spots'.

The nuts will still be a little soft when the coating is done, but they should crisp up if you leave them to cool uncovered. Keep in an airtight container once completely cooled.

A blend of nuts works well. You can use these to make Crunchy Cheesynut Clusters. You can even add in cereals with the nuts - I remember when I was a kid having 'Nuts n Bolts' which included Nutri-grain with the nuts.