Seasoned Nut Gift Idea

This Christmas I wanted to go beyond cookies and give something different to my Visiting Teaching sisters. I found this cute idea in an old issue of Martha Stewart Kids Magazine (yes I keep crafty magazines too!). The recipes are really good, I can't keep my hands out of the sweet pecans! The recipes are easy enough to make with your kids and would be good to have as a snack at your holiday celebrations too. I am going to bring some to Idaho with me this year.

Spicy Almonds
makes 2 cups

2 C whole blanched almonds
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1 Tablespoon unsulfured molasses
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

1. Preheat oven to 350*. Spread almonds on a rimmed baking sheet, and toast until fragrant, 7-8 min. Set aside.
2. Whisk together salt, sugar, and spices in a large bowl; set aside.
3. Bring butter, molasses, and vinegar to a boil in a large skillet over med heat. Add toasted nuts, and stir to evenly coat. Add nut mixture to spice mixture; toss to coast. transfer to a rimmed baking sheet, and spread in a single layer.
4. Return to oven, and toast 4 minutes. Let cool completely on baking sheet. Almonds can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 weeks.

Sweet Pecans
makes 2 cups

2 Cups pecan halves (7.5 oz)
1/4 Cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
2 Tablespoons maple syrup

1. Preheat oven 350*. Spread pecans on a rimmed baking sheet, and toast until fragrant, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
2. Whisk sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a large bowl; set aside.
3. Bring butter and maple syrup to a boil in a large skillet over med heat. Add toasted nuts; stir to coat evenly. Add nut mixture to sugar mixture; toss to coat. transfer to a rimmed baking sheet, and spread in a single layer; let cool completely. Pecans can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 weeks.

Enjoy!