Something Special Party Nuts

These party nuts are the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and salty.  It is a great addition to cocktail hour or even just a special afternoon treat!

Ingredients:

• 1 C. pecan halves
• 1 C. whole cashews
• 1 C. walnut halves
• 1 C. almonds
• ¼ t. ground cumin
• ¼ t. ground cinnamon
• ¼ t. garlic powder
• ¼ t. onion powder
• ¼ t. black pepper
• ½ t. chili powder
• ½ t. cayenne pepper
• ½ C. white sugar
• ¼ C. water
• ¼ C. (1/2 stick) butter

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper.
3. Place all of the nuts in a big bowl and sprinkle all of the spices over the nuts.
4. In a sauce pan, combine the sugar, water and butter over medium heat.  When the mixture comes to a boil, cook for one minute and the remove from the heat.
5. Pour the mixture over the nuts and stir well.
6. Pour the nuts onto the cookie sheet and spread them out into a single layer.
7. Bake for 10 minutes and then remove and stir the nuts until all are covered with the syrup.
8. Return to the oven and bake for 6 minutes and then remove and allow to cool before serving.

Tips and Tricks:

• You can use any type of nuts you like.  I buy the can of mixed nuts and use it.

Trailer Truffles

Do you like fudge?  This is the best part of fudge without the headaches that making fudge can bring.  The secret ingredient?  It's the first ingredient listed, surprised?  So was I, but I had to try it.  I couldn't believe that I had even used it when I tasted these "Trailer Truffles" (now you know why they are called that) . Try making them yourself, and then when you taste these, you won't believe it either. 

Ingredients:

• ½ lb. (8 oz.) Velveeta, cut into cubes
• 1 C. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into slices
• 1 t. vanilla extract
• 1 C. walnuts, chopped
• 2 lbs. powdered sugar, plus ¾ C. for rolling the truffles
• ½ C. Cocoa powder

Directions:

1. Boil water in a double boiler and then add the butter and cheese to melt.
2. Stir until all of the cheese and butter are incorporated together and then add the vanilla and nuts.
3. In a large bowl, sift the Cocoa powder and powdered sugar together.
4. Pour the butter, cheese, and vanilla into the sugar and Cocoa and mix with a spatula.
5. If necessary, mix with clean hands, make sure all of the powdered sugar is incorporated.
6. While the mixture is still warm, scoop into 1 inch balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.
7. Allow to set in the refrigerator for 1 hour and then roll each in powdered sugar, shake off the excess and serve at room temperature.

Tips and Tricks:

• You can use any kind of chopped nuts you like.
• If you don’t have a double boiler you can create one by placing a metal or glass bowl over a pot of boiling water.

Candied Pecans

These are excellent!  Sweet, crunchy, and a wonderful addition to a fresh salad. 

Ingredients:

• 2 C. pecan halves
• 1/4 C. (½ stick) butter
• ½ C. dark brown sugar

Directions:

1. In a cast iron skillet, heat the butter over medium heat
2. When the butter is fully melted, add the brown sugar and whisk the butter and sugar together
3. Add the pecan halves and roast for 15 – 20 minutes
4. Pour out onto wax paper and spread into a single layer
5. Allow to cool completely, then crack into individual pieces and store in an airtight container

Tips and Tricks:

• I serve these in a candy dish and on top of my Spinach Salad.
• Chopped pecans can be used for this recipe, also.