Get Nutty With Holiday Snacks

Nuts contain the good fats, protein, fiber and vitamins.

Sugared Holiday Pecans

Ingredients:

2 large egg whites, whipped
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
4 cups pecan halves, lightly toasted

Preparation:

After the egg whites are whipped (but not stiff), add the sugar and salt. Mix well. Add pecans and stir with a spoon until the nuts are coated.

Dump the pecans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them out into a single layer. Bake in a 225-degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes so they don't stick together.

Cashew, Pine Nuts and Pistachio Mix

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 cups mixed raw cashews, pine nuts and shelled pistachio nuts
2 tsp. cumin seeds or ground cumin
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

Preparation:

Heat oil in a large skillet. Dump in the nuts and toast lightly. Add cumin and stir until golden. Add remaining spices and blend well. When everything is heated through, remove from the heat and drain on paper towels.

Note: You can also use unshelled pistachios for interesting texture.

Holy Mole Pecans

Ingredients:

1 large egg white
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups raw pecan halves (or walnuts or almonds)
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. kosher salt

Preparation:

Whisk egg white until frothy. Add vanilla and pecans and stir well. In another bowl, combine sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cayenne, cumin and salt. Combine thoroughly. Add dry mixture to pecans and mix until all the nuts are covered.

Spread nuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a 225-degree oven for one hour.