Sugar and Spice Nuts

My Favorite Holiday Treat: Sugar and Spice Nuts

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious treats! This year, I wanted to share one of my absolute favorite recipes: Sugar and Spice Nuts. It's a simple recipe, but the result is unbelievably addictive. These nuts are perfectly crisp, with a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors that make them irresistible. I often make a big batch, enough to share with neighbors, friends, and family - and still have some left for myself to enjoy throughout the holiday season (and beyond!). The aroma alone is enough to fill your home with the comforting scent of the holidays.

I’ve always loved baking, ever since I was a little girl helping my grandmother in the kitchen. The rhythmic whisking, the comforting warmth of the oven, the satisfying clink of measuring spoons – it’s all a part of the magic for me. This particular recipe is one I’ve tweaked and perfected over the years, always experimenting with different spice combinations and nut varieties. While pecans and almonds are my favorites, feel free to experiment with walnuts or even a mix of different nuts – the possibilities are endless! The key is to find the perfect balance of sweet and spice that tantalizes your taste buds. It’s a recipe that’s easily adaptable to your own preferences, making it even more enjoyable to create.

What makes these nuts so special? It's not just the perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. It’s the satisfying crunch, the aroma that fills your kitchen, and the simple joy of creating something delicious from scratch. It's a recipe that reminds me of simpler times, a connection to the past and a tradition I love to carry on. This recipe is perfect for those busy days leading up to the holidays; it’s relatively quick and easy to make, but the result is so impressive that everyone will be asking for more. And, let’s be honest, what's a holiday gathering without a delightful snack to share?

Beyond the holidays, these sugar and spice nuts are also a perfect treat for any occasion. A cozy night in watching movies? A get-together with friends? A small gift for a neighbor? These nuts are versatile and always appreciated. They’re also great for meal prepping; I often make a large batch and keep them stored in an airtight container in the pantry or freezer. The freezer is perfect for longer storage – they stay crisp and delicious for months!

I’ve found that the key to perfect sugar and spice nuts is to ensure the nuts are evenly coated and baked until completely crisp. This takes a bit of patience, but trust me, it’s worth it. The slightly lower temperature towards the end ensures that the nuts dry out properly without burning. Remember to stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning.

Making these nuts is also a great activity for the whole family. It's a fun, hands-on experience, especially for children who enjoy helping in the kitchen. Let them assist with measuring ingredients, mixing, and even spreading the nuts on the baking sheet. It's a wonderful opportunity to bond and create lasting memories. Beyond the culinary result, this is also a recipe for creating special memories with those you love.

So, this holiday season (or any season, really!), give this simple but extraordinary recipe a try. You'll be amazed at how quickly they disappear and how much they will be enjoyed by all who are lucky enough to taste them. And remember, sharing is caring! Don’t be shy to share this deliciousness with your loved ones.

Pro Tip: If you're short on time, you can always use pre-made superfine sugar. However, if you have a food processor, giving your granulated sugar a quick whirl will create a finer texture that gives a more even coating on the nuts.

Happy baking and happy holidays!

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
• Whisk egg white and water in a medium sized bowl until foamy.
• Stir in nuts and mix well.
• Pour into a colander and drain for 3 minutes.
• Combine sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and coriander in a medium sized paper bag (lunch bag size is big enough) and shake to mix.
• Add drained nuts and shake well to coat.
• Spread nuts out on a large cookie sheet (will fit on one 11 x 17 or use two smaller ones) making sure that the nuts do not touch.
• Bake in preheated oven at 250 degrees for 15 minutes.
• Stir nuts and spread out again.
• Lower oven temp to 225 degrees.
• Bake, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until nuts are well dried and crispy.
• Switch position of pans midway through if using 2 pans on different racks.
• When finished baking, turn oven off, and let nuts cool with oven door open.
• Cool nuts completely at room temperature.
• Store in airtight container.
• Nuts can be refrigerated for several weeks or frozen for 6 months.