If you are thinking of some homemade gifts for friends or family this holiday season or hate going to a cocktail or dinner party with just a bottle of wine or box of chocolates, here is an easy recipe that never fails to impress at this time of year. I always make a double recipe of these nuts and give some of them away in Christmas-style mugs I find at the dollar store or thrift shops.
Spiced Nuts
(This recipe is from The New Canadian Basics Cookbook, by Carol Ferguson and Murray McMillan)
Ingredients:
1 egg white
1 tbsp. water
3 cups pecan halves, blanched almonds, peanuts or mixture
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. each: ground coriander, ginger, allspice
¼ tsp. each: nutmeg, black pepper
1 tsp. salt
In a bowl, beat egg white with water until frothy. Stir in nuts and mix well. Pour nuts into a sieve and let drain for a few minutes. In a plastic bag, combine sugar, spices and salt. Add nuts and shake until well coated. Spread nuts in a single layer on nonstick or lightly oiled baking sheets. Bake in a 275 degree oven for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nuts are dried and crispy. Let cool. Makes 3 cups.