Need another Christmas gift idea? You might want to cook up a batch of spiced pecans for your friends and family during the holidays. 

Food Network's "Alton Brown makes spiced nuts for everyone on his holiday gift list" (foodnetwork.com ). He shows you step by step how to make this recipe on his video. Check it out!



Spiced Nuts

1 pound pecans
4 Tb unsalted butter
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp dried orange peel
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 Tb dark brown sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 Tb water

* Brown pecans on medium in (dry) large skillet (about 4-5 minutes).
* Melt butter in pan with pecans.
* Add cayenne pepper, salt, cumin, dried orange peel, and cinnamon.
* Stir in dark and light brown sugars.
* Add water (will sizzle).
* Stir until thick.

* Pour pecan mixture on parchment paper until cool, then separate.
[Makes about 4 cups per batch.]



Happy holiday cooking!

Photos/KarenJordan

What is your favorite holiday recipe? Where did you find it? Is it a old family favorite? Did a friend share it with you? Or did you find it online or in a recipe book?