Homemade Candied Cinnamon-Sugar Nuts

My girlfriend Laura makes this recipe for every social gathering or as a delicious treat to nosh on around the house. Since I have been embracing cooking this year, I thought I would try a stab at it and make these delicious homemade candied cinnamon-sugar nuts as a holiday gift for colleagues at work. Once they were all done baking, I wrapped them up in simple/cute holiday packaging from Paper Source, utilizing these utensils Treat Bags, Ribbon, and Holiday Cards.

Overall, this was super easy to make and my entire apartment smelt like the holidays all night (added bonus). Take a look at the recipe below and try for yourself, you won't be disappointed in the delicious results.

Ingredients:

• 5 cups whole pecans, unsalted
• 1 cup whole almonds, unsalted
• 2 egg whites
  
  
• 2 Tablespoons water
• 2 cups granulated sugar (I used 1 1/2 cups)
  
  
• 2 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300F degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray; or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.

Mix pecans and almonds in a large bowl. Set aside.

Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites and water on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 4-5 minutes. Add the sugar, cinnamon, and salt, stirring until well combined.

Pour sugar mixture over nuts and stir to coat completely. Spread nuts over the baking sheets and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15. Allow to cool completely and enjoy. Store nuts at room temperature for a few weeks, covered.

*Recipe can easily be halved to keep around the house or doubled to feed a large crowd.