Candied Nuts

A while back, my friend Laura asked me if ever roasted almonds or candied them.  As a matter of fact, this is one of my favorite recipes from back in high school.  We never had many sweets around the house, but we always had snacky foods, like almonds and walnuts.  This is potentially one of the easiest recipes ever! 

I add in some cayenne for a little kick without the smoky flavor of chili powder, or other pepper powders.  The spice blend is up to you, but cinnamon and nutmeg is always a goody!  You can also omit salt, but I am of the opinion that sweet always tastes better when it has something salty to pair with it :)

Candied Nuts

:: 1/2 cup nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts), roasted preferably
:: 2 tbsp granulated sugar
:: 1/2 tsp cinnamon
:: 1/2 tsp nutmeg
:: 1/2 tsp salt
:: dash cayenne pepper, to taste
:: 1/2 tsp water
:: 1 tsp vanilla extract

In a small skillet over medium heat, add all ingredients except for vanilla extract.  Add JUST ENOUGH water to moisten all the dry ingredients so that they stick to the almonds.  Keep stirring.  Keep stirring.  You are almost done when the almonds lose their shininess and become dull and dry looking.  When you're almost at that point, throw in the vanilla extract - this will cook off in no time flat.

Remove from heat, let the almonds cool; they will crisp up as they do.