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!!

Blueberry-Peach Cobbler

I researched a few recipes for this, namely epicurious and Paula Deen, not really feeling any of the ones I found, so I just kinda came up with my own rendition of a few others.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar - divided
• 1 cup water
• 1 stick butter
• 2 peaches - peeled, pitted, sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 3/4 cup skim milk

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350
• Place peaches and blueberries in medium sauce pan, add water and 1 cup of sugar, stir.

• Turn stove on medium-high until it comes to a boil, stirring occasionally.

• Once pot comes to a boil, turn to low and simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally.

• While fruit is simmering, place stick of butter in a baking dish, place in oven and allow to melt.

• In medium sized bowl, add last cup of sugar and 3/4 cup flour and mix - gradually add in milk.

• Once butter is melted, pour in flour mix

• Next spoon in fruit mix, and then gradually pour in liquid from fruit.

• Bake in oven for 40-45 minutes
• Let cool and serve with ice cream (or whipped cream if you prefer)

ENJOY!

Tip: You could definitely use more fruit, I think next time I will add at least 1-2 more peaches....but it was still delicious this way.