Peppered Mixed Nuts with Lemon and Capers

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Drain and rinse capers, and transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet; gently pat with more paper towels. Let dry completely, about 1 hour.

Heat oil in a medium saucepan until it registers 350 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Carefully add 1/4 cup capers, and fry, stirring, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Using a long-handled slotted spoon, transfer capers to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet. Adjusting heat as necessary to maintain oil temperature, continue adding capers in 1/4-cup batches until all capers have been fried. Reserve 2 tablespoons cooking oil; let cool.

In a bowl, toss nuts with reserved oil, lemon juice, and pepper. Spread mixture evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in oven, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven; let cool, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with lemon zest; toss with fried capers.