Blue Screen of Death!!

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I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about: you're halfway through your facebook news feed working on something really important when out of nowhere everything stops. All you see is blue. Which according to colour "experts" is meant to be all soothing and calming, and other lovely words that you really don't feel in this moment. I'm sure if you're like me the first thought to pop into your head is "well thank goodness I'm so diligent about backing up my hard drive!".

What?!

Stop laughing!

Anyway, this happened to me last night. And alright, I wasn't being particularly productive right that second, but I was planning to tell you about this recipe. My evening was instead de-railed into a frantic attempt to get the darn thing running again, then back-up, please oh please, back-up before it dies again and I lose everything. Full disclosure: "everything" in my digital world amounts to pictures and recipes. I have no other important files.

Because Heaven forbid I should lose this gem...

Twenty-four hours later and all my files are safely, externally stored, tucked in safe and sound in their digital beds. Miraculously the computer itself is still working, even more surprising considering this month marks four years of dutiful service from it, and shameless mistreatment from me.

Somewhat ironically, I wouldn't have needed the computer to share this recipe with you. It's so incredibly simple, but people are inexplicably so impressed with it that it's hard not to let them believe you slaaaved over it! It's perfect to have out anytime company comes (although dangerous if you live in our house, it will never make it until company arrives), even better to take as a hostess gift, and makes for fantastic holiday gift baskets with a bottle of wine and some nice bread and cheese.

Spiced Candied Nuts

Yield: 3 cups (double the recipe if you'll be travelling any significant distance with these in the car, or if you're having my husband over)

Ingredients:

1 egg white*

1 tbsp cool water

1 cup brown sugar

1-2 tbsp spices of your choice (I used 1 1/4 tsp each curry and cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp each chili powder and cayenne pepper)

pinch salt

3 cups unsalted nuts (anything works here - I used pecans and almonds)

Directions: 

1. Preheat your oven to 250F; line a baking sheet with parchment paper (I actually skip parchment and just use an old baking sheet - sugar is fantastically easy to clean up, just soak in water until it releases).
2. In a bowl mix together sugar, spices, and salt. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired. (Optional: if you would prefer a slightly smoother texture, combine these ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over medium stirring frequently until the sugar is melted. Be very careful! Melted sugar gives really awful burns. I skip the melting because I'm lazy, and Hubby prefers the rougher texture.)
3. In a separate bowl quickly whisk together egg white and water until just foamy. Add in nuts and stir until they are all well coated.
4. While stirring the nuts, toss in the sugar mixture (or drizzle in slowly if you've melted it) until all coated. Spread on the baking sheet in an even layer.
5. Bake for about 45min-1hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Use your discretion on the length of time; softer nuts (ie cashews) usually need less time than harder ones (ie almonds). You're looking for the texture of the sugar to become sort of "dry".
6. Allow to cool to room temp before serving (or eat them hot if you live in my house and they barely make it off the pan).

*Note for separated eggs: both leftover egg whites and yolks can be frozen and used later. Whites you can simply freeze in an ice cube tray then transfer to a freezer bag. For yolks you need to stir in either 1/8tsp salt or 1 1/2 tsp sugar (depending if they will be used in savoury or sweet dishes) per 4 egg yolks for them to freeze and thaw properly. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and use immediately. And trust friends, I will be sharing other ways to use them ;)