Sugar and Spice Pecans

On a normal day I'd much rather craft than cook, but at the holidays, spending time in the kitchen is my favorite. I'm pretty sure there's nothing better than cookies, cakes, candies, and nuts. Nuts? Yep, I'm nuts about nuts. I might be biased, but I have the best candied pecan recipe ever. I think everyone else agrees, too. Last year, I made these as gifts for neighbors and coworkers and received rave reviews. So, are you ready for number thirteen of The 25 Projects of Christmas? Sugar & Spice {and everything nice} Pecans!

• 1/4 cup - dark brown sugar
• 2/3 cup - white sugar
• 1/4 tsp. - cayenne pepper (more or less to suit your taste)
• 1 tsp. - ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. - salt
• 1 to 1 1/4 lb. - pecan halves 
• 2 egg whites

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a small mixing bowl, combine sugars, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and salt. Blend together with a fork.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites on med-high until very frothy. Stop before peaks begin to form.

4. Fold the sugar mixture into the egg whites until combined.

5. Drop in the nuts and toss until evenly coated.

6. Spread the spiced nut mixture onto the parchment-covered baking sheet.

7. Bake for 30 minutes; pull out once every 10 minutes to toss/flip.

8. Remove from oven and separate the nuts as they cool.

9. Once cool, they are ready to eat/store/gift.

After tasting these, your friends and family will be eating out of your hands (if you let them, that is). We're going to be hosting a Christmas party this year so I'll be making a huge batch to share. I encourage you to try this recipe out as well!

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