PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - This is a terrific do-ahead recipe to give as a hostess gift if you're lucky enough to be invited to a holiday party! That being said, make a double batch and keep some for yourself!

Chili Roasted Peanut with Dried Cherries

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 ½ pounds raw peanuts (see note below)
• 1 ½  tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground white pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried Greek oregano
• ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ pound dried cherries
• Sea salt to taste

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 325°
• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. 
• Place the chili powder, cumin, white pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. Add the melted butter and stir the ingredients to form a thick paste. Add the raw peanuts to the bowl and toss completely to coat. 
• Spread the peanuts on a parchment-lined half-sheet pan and toast them in the oven for about 14 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
• Transfer the peanuts back into the bowl and add the cherries. Toss well to coat the peanuts—season with sea salt to taste.
• Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
• Note: Raw peanuts are the essential ingredient in this recipe. You can find them at an Indian grocery store or online.
• This makes a great hostess gift around the holidays. I buy decorative jars with tight-fitting lids and tie a ribbon around the rim of the lid and give them as a gift when invited to someone's home during the holidays.