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!!

Mini Pizza Bites

My new obsession with Pinterest led me to this recipe, I adapted mine from For the Love of Cooking.  I make a lot of pizza....probably b/c it's Jeremy's favorite....and the day I came across the recipe I was bored and actually had all the ingredients in my kitchen....so I decided to try it out. It would be a great thing to make for a party or for kids!


(sorry, didn't take pictures when I started cooking)

Ingredients:

• 1 package Grands Biscuits
• Pizza Sauce
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Pepperoni (and any other toppings you prefer)
• Pizza Seasoning (or Oregano and basil)
• Parmesan Cheese
• Cooking Spray
• Muffin Pan

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375
• Spray muffin pan with cooking oil
• Cut the grands biscuits in half, flatten out slightly and push into the muffin pan onto the bottom and halfway up the sides

• Place about a tbsp. of pizza sauce in each biscuit

• Put any toppings (other than pepperoni you want in the pizza)
• Place about a tbsp. of mozzarella cheese into the pizza

• Place a pepperoni on top, cover with a little more cheese if you like.

• Sprinkle top with parmesan cheese and pizza seasoning

• Place in oven and cook for about 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted

• Let sit for a few minutes, the pizza should just slide right out of the pan.

• Enjoy!