Place a wide pan over high heat on the stove.  Oil is usually not necessary unless the sausage is very lean.  Add the sausage and break it into small pieces as it cooks.  Continue sautéing until it is brown and crumbly and most of the fat has been rendered.  Remove with a slotted spoon, placing the crumbles on a piece of paper towel to absorb any remaining grease.

Preheat the oven to 375.  Line a rimmed cookie sheet with parchment.  In a bowl, toss the sausage crumbles, with all of the remaining ingredients and stir to coat the nuts.  Spread out the ingredients in one layer on the cookie sheet and put in the oven.  Roast for about 10 minutes or until the syrup has formed a glaze on the cashews.  Remove from the oven to cool.