I’m really not a big baker. I make just a few favorite recipes and that is it! So yesterday I churned out four batches of my best food gift item at holiday time; spiced pecans — passed along from my Mom and adapted from a winter 2002 Bon Appetit. I haven’t been able to locate a link to the original recipe {which called for a mixture of pecans, walnuts, and almonds}, but I’ll share our version. These are a great gift item to make in advance and store in a large airtight container. I package them in bowls or cellophane bags for teacher or hostess gifts. They’re always received with enthusiasm, as they’re a nice departure from holiday sweets. They have a bit of a kick, and are the perfect thing to put out for happy hour.
Spiced Nuts
Makes about 6 cups
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
5 T unsalted butter
¼ cup water
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 T chili powder
½ t salt
1 t ground cumin
1 t dried oregano
½ t ground black pepper
¼ t cayenne or red pepper
6 cups pecan halves
Preheat oven to 300°. Spray large jelly roll pan with nonstick spray. Melt butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add next 8 ingredients; stir until sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Add nuts; stir until coated, about 2 minutes.
Spread nut mixture in single layer on pan. Bake 22-23 minutes, until nuts are glazed and deep brown — stirring every 5 minutes or so. Tip: submerge stirring spoon in warm water between uses — otherwise it will be difficult to clean. Cool nuts primarily on sheet, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a metal bowl, if desired, to complete cooling. When completely cool store in airtight container
I save my most abused jelly roll pan for this project, as the baked brown sugar is hard on bakeware. Once nuts are finished, get the pan into hot water and soap ASAP. After soaking for a few minutes, the pan can be washed and ready for the next batch.
One of my favorite parts of the holidays is seeing the exchange of homemade food that goes from house to house. I love the collection of bags and tins, filled with treats made by people who thought of us — and hearing about the different foods that get families in the holiday mood. Whether “three fishes,” latkes, homemade fudge, spicy mustard…. food and the holidays go hand in hand. For us, one of those foods that says “holiday time” is spiced nuts! How about you? What’s cooking in your kitchen?
