Sweet and Crunchy

I know that candied nuts are typically a winter time treat, but a favorite summer salad of mine calls for them. There are hundreds of recipes to choose from, but I got mine from my good ole red and white checkered cookbook. I like it because it's fast - you can make them right on the stove in a couple of minutes. Here's the super simple steps in case you want to try:

1 1/2 cups nuts

1/2 cup sugar

2 T butter

1/2 t vanilla

Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with Pam. Set aside. In a skillet, combine ingredients. Cook over medium-high heat, shaking skillet occasionally, until sugar begins to melt. Do not stir. (This is key! You'll be tempted to, but don't give in!) Reduce heat to low. Continue cooking until sugar is golden brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and pour nut mixture onto baking sheet. Cool completely. Enjoy!

If you want to spice things up, add in some cayenne. This is my mom's little trick, and they are so good!

By the way, my go-to summer salad consists of lettuce (arugula or another spicy lettuce is yummy), dried cranberries, crumbled feta, apples, walnuts, and a good balsamic dressing. Try it out!