Name: Sweet and Savory Spiced Nuts
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: Makes 4 cups
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; Pinch of ground cloves; 1 large egg white; 2 cups walnut halves (1/2 pound); 2 cups pecan halves (1/2 pound)

A handful of golden pecans and walnuts is just the nibble you need to whet your appetite before a grand holiday meal. These take very little time to prepare and can be made well ahead of the big day. Savvy southerners, by the way, put an order in early for plump, buttery new-crop pecans. Get plenty, so you'll have enough for the pecan pie .

Cooks' note:

Nuts keep in an airtight container at room temperature 1 week.

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