Honey-Chipotle Pecans (or Almonds)

These are quite possibly my favorite way to eat almonds. The problem is, I can’t make these very often because I can’t. stop. eating them when they are around. People LOVE these…I take these to events when I am too busy (lazy) to make something more involved and people tend to like them more than anything else I’d bring (except maybe these, because they involve chocolate, and chocolate usually wins). They are super simple and quick to make, but you’ll want an hour or so to let them cool/dry when they are finished so they don’t stick together.
If you don’t have chipotle powder, get it SOON! World Market sells it with their bagged spices for around $1.00. Buy a reusable glass spice jar in their kitchen section for another dollar and you are all set (I cut the spice name from the spice package and tape it to the jar with clear tape). If you haven’t noticed, many of the recipes that I post have it as an ingredient. I may have an addiction…

Honey-Chipotle Pecans (or Almonds)

2 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 teaspoons dried chipotle powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups pecan halves (or almonds)
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 325°F. In a skillet or pan, warm honey with chipotle powder and cinnamon over low heat, then add the nuts and stir to coat evenly. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and spread nuts evenly in a single layer on the sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes – you should start to be able to smell the nuttiness, but don’t let them burn. Allow to cool slightly (1 minute). While they are in the oven, combine sugar and salt in a mixing bowl large enough to hold and stir the nuts. Add the warm pecans or almonds and toss to coat evenly. Spread out on fresh sheet of waxed paper and let dry completely. Store in an airtight container.

These are a perfect fall/football snack.