I'm going to risk it all and swear to you that wasabi and cranberries go together like peanut butter and jelly. An unlikely combo, I admit.
So how did I come up with this odd marriage of flavors? I accidentally put dried cranberries into a container that had wasabi in it. I am still stunned at how well they go together... and after a few bites I knew that wasabi peas and dried cranberries would make one killer trail mix. Only I don't eat nuts (or trail mix) regularly... and when I do eat nuts, I don't eat roasted, salted nuts... the kind of nuts I'd want in a cranberry wasabi trail mix... (boo hoo hoo).
Still, I was determined to execute my idea... so, channeling my honey roasted "nuts" method, I baked the crap out of some salted chickpeas and success! They are a great alternative to salty peanuts!
Even if you think I'm totally nuts (heh! I said nuts! ) and that wasabi should be left for sushi... still try baking up some chickpeas with a little sea salt... They are a great afternoon snack, especially with a little mustard.