Active Time

　　15 min

　　Total Time

　　1 1/4 hour

　　

Ingredients

Makes about 2 cups

　　2 cups raw cashews (9 ounces)

　　1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

　　1/8 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste

　　1/8 cup confectioners sugar

　　About 3 cups vegetable oil for deep-frying

　　

Special Equipment

a deep-fat thermometer

　　

Step 1

Cover cashews with water in a 1 1/2- to 2-quart saucepan and simmer until slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Drain, then transfer to paper towels to dry, 40 to 50 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Stir together salt and cayenne.

　　

Step 3

Toss cashews with sugar in a bowl, then shake in a sieve to remove excess. Heat 1 1/2 inches oil in dried saucepan over moderate heat until it registers 375°F on thermometer. Fry cashews in 3 batches, stirring frequently, until deep golden brown and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a baking sheet as fried and sprinkle with some cayenne mixture. (Return oil to 375°F between batches.)