Spiced Nuts

My grandparents had a huge pecan tree in their yard when I was growing up and it usually produced a ton of pecans. When I visited, after having moved a couple hours away, my grandfather would have bags of SHELLED pecans for me. I found out later that he gave my parents and uncles pecans too…but not always the shelled ones. Makes me feel special to this day!

These have become a holiday tradition and I look forward to making them every year. They’re quick and truly easy - great for last minute gifting!

So - in the spirit of holiday treats that are good at anytime - try these spiced nuts!

They happen to be vegan and I like the texture better with a switch from eggs + sugar to maple syrup as the sweetener and binder for the spices.

Spiced Nuts

Ingredients

• 4 cups raw nuts - I used 2 cups Pecans / 2 cups Walnuts

• 1/3 cup Maple Syrup

• 1 Tablespoon Avocado oil (you could use any oil)

• 2 teaspoons Salt (I used vanilla salt that was gifted-yum!)

• 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

• 1/2 Tablespoon Cinnamon

• 1 Tablespoon Cumin

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit

2. Line a sheet pan with parchment/foil/silicone liner

3. Mix together the syrup, oil, spices and salt in a medium to large bowl

4. Add nuts and coat evenly in the syrup mixture

5. Pour nuts onto the prepared sheet pan and spread as much in a single layer as possible

6. Bake 40 minutes

7. Remove from oven and stir with a spatula, returning them to a single layer

8. Bake an additional 20 to 30 minutes

9. Remove from oven and let cool

Wishing you the happiest of holidays!

Enjoy!