Addictive Candied Nuts

Thanks to everyone who offered encouragement and support last week when I opened up regarding my tendency to overdo things during the holidays, especially when it comes to throwing a party.  I didn't go as far as I usually do, but I did manage to fall asleep before the party was over.  Like a lame-o.  One day I'll manage to stay awake, I swear.

Oh, how I wish I had managed to get pictures of the spread I put out.  I truly do.  There were stuffed mushrooms, shrimp cocktail, chicken skewers, barbecue meatballs...it went on and on.

I'm not gonna lie.  It was a lot of food.

Sadly, I wasn't finished putting it all out when guests showed up and started eating.  So I sent Rob into the dining room with the camera to try to get some shots of what was there before it was decimated.

I used sharp cheddar, brie, garlicky boursin, fresh mozzarella and Maytag blue cheeses (the Maytag being separate from the rest due to an allergy among the guests).  Accompaniments were sliced pepperoni, candied nuts, sliced pears, grapes and honey.  On the side, hummus and a delicious roasted tomato bruschetta (which I found at She Wears Many Hats).  Crackers and a basket of fresh-from-the-oven crostini completed the spread.  

And it all fit in with my "less work, greater effect" plan for the night.  So it was a win-win all around!

I fully intend to put this together again on New Years, and promise to take actual pictures next time!

To make amends, let me share with you my absolute favorite recipe for candied nuts.  They're pretty much ridiculous, addictive and incredible.  Put a bowl of these babies out at your holiday gathering and watch them disappear (which is why I always hold some aside for later, but that's just between you and me).  They went well with all the cheeses I used...as well as by the handful, several days later.

Not like I would know or anything...

Candied Nuts

1 lb shelled walnuts or pecans (or a combination thereof, which I used)

1 cup white sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper.

In medium saucepan, combine sugar, cinnamon, salt, milk and vanilla.  Heat over medium-high for 8 minutes, or until mixture reaches soft-ball stage of 236 degrees F.  

Immediately add nuts and mix thoroughly, making sure to coat as evenly as possible.  Pour nuts out onto prepared cookie sheet and break up into pieces.  Allow to cool completely and enjoy!

So what about you? Do you have any go-to appetizer or snack recipes which you use during the holidays?