Spicy Mixed Nuts

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

09 Dec 2007 11:30 PM

In a previous blog I touted the health benefits of holiday spices--meaning, those spices featured in countless dishes we make during the holiday season from cookies to pies, entrees to side dishes.

When I was done researching the nutritional information on all of the spices I've used in my holiday baking thus far I went back to my recipe box to see what other dishes I could "spice" up in the name of good health.

That's when I found this recipe. It's an oldie (my mom has been making these nuts for decades), but a goodie (these nuts never lasted long when served during New Year's Day College Bowl Game parties my parents hosted).

You can prepare these nuts in big batches and give them away as holiday gifts, package them up in a decorative holiday container and bring them as a hostess gift, or use them as your contribution to a holiday office potluck party.

SPICY MIXED NUTS

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp. allspice

1/4 tsp. ground ginger

1 egg white

2 tbsp. cold water

1 cup (4 ounces) whole walnuts

1/2 cup (2 ounces) unblanched almonds

1/2 cup (3 ounces) hazelnuts

1/2 cup (2 ounces) whole pecans

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 275° F. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray with PAM cooking spray.

Combine the sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger powder in a medium bowl. Lightly beat the egg white until foamy in a small bowl and stir in the water and stir into the sugar mixture. Add the nuts and stir until evenly coated.

Using a slotted spoon, remove the nuts from the mixture--allow the excess sugar mixture to drain off. Spread the nuts on the prepared pan. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until lightly browned (stir once every 15 minutes). Let cool.

After you let it cool you might have to break the nuts apart before packaging.

Related Articles:

Spicing Up the Holidays with Healthy Spices

Toasted and Sugared Nuts

Macadamia Nut Brittle

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger