Sugar and Spice Nuts

Sugar and Spice Nuts

• • 2 pounds (about 6 cups) unsalted nuts, such as almonds, pecans or walnuts (or a mix)

  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

  • 2 egg whites

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon grown nutmeg

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried grated orange peel

Preheat the oven to 300 F. Line two baking sheets with foil and spray the foil with non-stick spray.

Place the nuts in a large bowl and make sure there are no pieces of shell. (If using salted nuts, just reduce or eliminate the salt in the recipe.) In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Pour mixture over the nuts and stir to coat thoroughly.

Spread nuts in a single layer on the baking sheets. Bake for 20 minutes. Lift foil off the pans and place on the counter to cool completely. Break into pieces and store at room temperature, or package into decorative boxes or bags for gifts.