Spiced Nuts
  • 2 1/2 cups ( 12 oz) unsalted nuts
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbs vanilla extract (optional)
  1. Toast the nuts in a 350 °F oven for 10 minutes until lightly browned. Watch them carefully as they burn easily.
  2. Put the sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook over medium heat without stirring to the soft-ball stage (236 °F), about 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla if using.
  4. Add nuts and stir together gently until mixture becomes creamy.
  5. Turn out onto a buttered baking sheet. Separate the nuts and let cool. Store airtight.
  1. Omit the vanilla.
  2. Use 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and add along with it 1/2 tsp cardamom, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1 pinch cayenne