I went to a beautiful, elegant, wedding shower at Allison’s house.  There was lots of simple, sort of “retro” food (egg salad, little tea sandwiches, fabulous beverages).  But for some reason, these simple nuts caught my eye (and tongue!). As long as I have been cooking, I have never made those basic sugary nuts they serve at parties.  Oh, DISCLAIMER: I did list Ina Garten’s Rosemary nuts in my top 5 all time recipes.  But they are different than these.  And I think beginner cooks might like learning this easy but impressive dish!

CINNAMON SUGARED PECANS

1 egg white (beat till frothy)

4 cups pecans

1/2 cup white sugar

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Add pecans to egg white and toss till all coated. (I did a few more nuts and my eggs weren’t very big so I did 2 beaten whites)

Mix sugar, cinnamon, salt in a large bowl and dump in the nuts, tossing till they are all coated.  Spread nuts on a baking sheet and bake about 25 minutes, or till they are fragrant and crisp.

NOTE:  If you follow me at all, you know I cannot leave a recipe alone.  I had to change even this one around, but I’m sharing it with you so you can do your own thing!  I added 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper cause I like a real “kick”.  I also used the salted mixed nuts from Costco which include cashews, pecans, almonds and others.  As long as you start with the egg whites you can go crazy!  (ask me how I know).  Try anything and have fun!

BTW:  the picture at the top was not the shower in the Post.  Allison’s was MUCH more elegant!