Sugar and spice

As my immediate family has grown in number over the years we decided last year to forgo the obligatory Christmas gifts (between siblings, we still spoil all the nieces and nephews) and instead take the money we'd spend on the gifts and donate to charity. I love how much it simplified things. Instead of having to run around and search for the Perfect gifts we could relax and enjoy the weeks leading up to Christmas. We're following suit this year and just buying for the kids again, but I still want to do a little something for everyone. These spiced pecans fit the bill - easy to make, super tasty and slightly, alright, really addicting. I made these Friday night and Brad couldn't keep his paws off of them! I brought the rest to work with me as a little treat for my fellow coworkers who had to be there on a Saturday. Everyone loved them. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking or omitting the cayenne altogether if you don't want the little kick of heat. I think I even may add almonds to my next batch.

Spiced Pecans

1 egg white, lightly beaten
1/2 tablespoon water
1/2 tablespoon vanilla
3 cups pecan halves
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
In a small bowl beat the egg white with the water. Stir in the pecans, mixing until well moistened.

In a small bowl, mix together sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg & cayenne pepper. Sprinkle over the moistened nuts. Spread nuts on prepared pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.

recipe adapted from here