Spicy Mixed Nuts

I was trying to think of something to make to take to both our (mine and Jeremy's) parent's houses for Christmas and Christmas Eve....this is what I decided on. And aside from trying to kill my brother in law (who knew he was allergic to the small amount of sunflower seeds I added in there)....they were a huge hit!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed nuts
• 4 cups warm water
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted.
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp. chili powder
• zest of 1 lime
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
• 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350
• In a large bowl, add 4 cups warm water and 1 cup sugar - stir until sugar dissolves

• Put 4 cups mixed nuts in bowl of water/sugar, and let sit for about 10 minutes, to soften the nuts

• In the meantime, line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray - set aside.
• In a small bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, honey and spices....stir until combined.

• Drain nuts and pat dry with paper towel, return to bowl.

• Mix spice mixture in with nuts and stir until all the nuts are covered in the mixture

• Pour nuts on to baking sheets in 1 layer....I made the mistake of putting too many on one baking sheet and the nuts ended up sticking together - so don't do this! Divide them between 2 baking sheets!
• Place in oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until they are dark brown and fragrant. 
• Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature.

• Place in airtight containers and leave them sitting in room temperature - do not store in the fridge - they will not last!!
• We enjoyed them - hope you do too!!