We’re all looking for new recipes to treat our holiday guests. Check out this easy and tasty recipe for sweet-spicy toasted pecans. They’ll enliven any holiday party or make a perfect homemade gift.

Peppy Pecans

Recipe courtesy The National Pecan Shellers Association. www.ilovepecans.org/pecan-month/

Serves: 4 cups

4 cups pecan halves

4 TBS unsalted butter

3 TBS Dark Brown Sugar

3 TBS Light Brown Sugar

1 tsp dried ground orange peel

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cumin

2 tsp water

In a dry skillet, toast the nuts for about 4 – 5 minutes over medium heat. Stir the nuts occasionally until they begin browning. Add the butter stirring to coat the nuts as it melts. Toast and stir for about a minute until the nuts brown further. Add the brown sugar and spices and distribute them in the pan. Stir for about a minute then add the water to create a syrup and stir to coat the nuts. Cook for another minute stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and spread on a piece of parchment paper over a cooling rack. Serve as a garnish, snack, appetizer, or package as a gift.

Hungry for more? Try this fried pecan pie recipe.