Honey (or Maple) Spiced Nuts

Spiced nuts are staple in my kitchen.  I make up a large batch and freeze them. A small bowl is set out on the counter for snacks, we toss them onto salads, over hot grain cereals, into granola for hiking or camping, they were always in the volleyball and debate food boxes, and I often give them as gifts in the winter. This recipe is very simple and a general guide, feel free to use your favorite spice combinations. Add in minced candied ginger or dried fruit.

Servings: 20 Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed nuts cashews, pecans, walnuts...choose your favorites -

• 1/4-1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

• 2-4 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp cloves

• 1 tsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp ginger

Instructions

I soak nuts overnight to get so that they are more digestible and have a smoother flavor, but it’s not necessary. It you soak them overnight, drain thoroughly and you may need to increase your cook time for a bit - check as you go.

Preheat oven to 250°. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Spread nuts evenly over baking sheet and bake for 1-1/2 hours, checking every 15 minutes. Gently turn nuts and bake until fragrant about 40-45 minutes. Cool thoroughly. Store in air tight container.

Recipe Notes

Healing Benefits: Although nuts will vary in their content of protein, oils, vitamins and minerals we can look at them overall and get the general idea of what they have to offer. As a group nuts build and strengthen the body.  They add on weight and fight deficiencies.  Yin building (fluids and fats) and warming nuts are good for thin, weak and frail types but should be avoided if there is excess dampness, phlegm or yeast.  Too many nuts can scatter the energy making a person feel ungrounded or unfocused.

Primary season: Late Summer, Autumn & Winter