Sugar and Spice Nuts

For older children, these nuts are easy to do, involving a little measuring, a little mixing, and a little baking. The result is yummy to eat and pretty to give.

INGREDIENTS

6 cups walnuts, almonds, or pecans

1 stick unsalted butter, melted

1 cup sugar

Pinch of sea salt

3 tablespoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground ginger

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Put nuts in a large mixing bowl. Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Pour butter over nuts, tossing lightly with a fork until all the nuts are covered completely.

Mix sugar, salt, and spices in a medium bowl. Blend thoroughly—the sugar should be a uniform color indicating the spices are evenly mixed in. Pour sugar mixture over nuts, stirring until all the nuts are completely coated. Using a slotted spoon, spread nuts evenly on a large jelly roll pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the nuts. Pecans have a higher sugar content and cook more quickly. You should be able to smell a toasty, nutty smell mixed in with the spices. Cool.

Store the nuts in tins lined with waxed paper. If you wrap them, they might last long enough to give as gifts.