Rather Like This

How about a quick post about a quick snack since I really don't have time to procrastinate too much today? I've posted a number of times about my easy nibbly brunches for one, but I don't know that I've ever really talked about how to make one of the most common aspects of it. I've always liked nuts and I've always liked little sweets, and especially after becoming vegetarian I'm grateful for the fact that candied nuts are actually a pretty legitimately nutritious thing to nibble on for desert or with a simple meal.

This morning I've made honey-almond candies, and it couldn't be simpler. I've used just about every kind of nut, and while I usually go with honey because I like it and it's convenient, you could also use maple or corn syrup or just equal parts sugar and water. Here's how it works:

Easy Candied Nuts

a handful of nuts

2 T or so honey

salt, cinnamon, etc., to taste

Heat a frying pan on high and put in the honey. Once it's very liquid, toss in the nuts and cinnamon or spice (don't add the salt yet). Stir the nuts around in the honey until they're completely covered-- you'll want them to keep moving because honey burns easily. Keep mixing them until there isn't any more liquid left in the pan and it's all clinging to the nuts. Dump them out onto a piece of aluminum foil and break up the clusters if you want. Optionally sprinkle with a pinch of kosher or sea salt. Pop them into the freezer while you finish assembling or packing the rest of your meal, and by that time they should be hardened and will easily pop off the foil. Eat and enjoy!