Spiced Pecans

It's the time of year for fresh pecans. Cooking them with sugar and spices will fill the house with smells of the season. Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and a taste of cayenne will warm your palate!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sugar
1/3 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
2 Tbs. water
3 cups pecans (or other nuts)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350F. Mix the sugar through the water in a microwave safe container, such as a glass bowl. Heat the mixture on high for 30 seconds, then stir to combine the sugar and spices with the water. Pour the nuts into the sugar and spice mixture. Stir to coat the nuts with the mixture. Spread the nuts on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350F for about 10 minutes. Remove the nuts, and cool. These will keep for about a week.

Serves 12 as an appetizer

Stealthy Cooking Tip: Warning! These nuts can be addictive!While nuts are a healthy choice in moderation, it's definitely hard to eat just a few of these tasty morsels. The best bet? Either serve them when you've got a crowd to help you eat them, or hide them in the cupboard and only bring out a few at a time, for snacking on a cheese and nut tray or to add to a salad.