Asian-Spiced Pecans

This is one of my favorite snacks, and we've all heard about the health benefits derived from eating nuts. Spiced nuts make a wonderful gift anytime of year. I haven't tried this recipe yet, but that will change soon.
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Becky Luigart-Stayner; Leigh Ann Ross

Other savory pecan recipes have as much as <1/2> cup butter per 4 cups of nuts. Here, we use only a teaspoon of butter and add a little tomato paste to give the spice mixture enough body to cling to the pecans.

Yield 4 cups (serving size: 2 tablespoons)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Thai seasoning (such as Spice Islands)
• 1 teaspoon butter or stick margarine, melted
• Dash of black pepper
• Dash of ground red pepper
• 4 cups pecan halves
• Cooking spray
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a large bowl, and stir well with a whisk. Add pecan halves; toss well. Spread mixture evenly onto a jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray.

Bake at 350° for 12 minutes, stirring once. Remove from oven, and sprinkle with salt. Cool completely.

Note: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to one month, in the refrigerator for up to 3 months, or in the freezer for up to 8 months.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

93 (90% from fat)

Fat:

9.3g (sat 0.8g,mono 5.7g,poly 2.3g)

Protein:

1.1g

Carbohydrate:

2.6g

Fiber:

0.9g

Cholesterol:

0.0mg

Iron:

0.3mg

Sodium:

61mg

Calcium:

5mg

Source: Southern Living

"...green scales fell like rain..."

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Puff The Magic Dragon is my granddaughter's favorite book. The poignant tale of innocence-lost that's memorialized in the song by Peter Paul and Mary appeals to young and old alike. Children love Puff the gigantic, gentle dragon, befriended by Jackie Paper. Parents enjoy the subtle subplot about a boy who eventually leaves childhood behind and acquires an imagination that no longer has room for "painted wings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff." Put it under the tree for your little one.

Five Great Hostess Gifts

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'Tis the season for cocktail and dinner parties and family gatherings. Don't go empty handed. A small gift to demonstrate your appreciation can be inexpensive and nearly effortless. It's easy to forget the extra touches during the rush of the holidays, but a simple act of thoughtfulness is never forgotten.

Here at Savoring Simplicity, we believe in making it simple. If you've had your fill of fighting the crowds at the mall or sitting in traffic, take the easy road. You'll find it by shopping online. If you want to add a special touch, try making some easy but charmingly warm gifts that say how much you care.

The homemade gift is always appreciated, and during these difficult economic times, they are often more affordable. You could make cookies or soup mix in a jar, layering all the dry ingredients in the jar. You can never go wrong with spiced nuts or traditional fudge. Add to the charm of you gift by carefully considering the presentation. Cellophane bags for your nuts could be tied with a beautiful silk or plaid ribbon. Put your fudge in a small basket with a ribbon or sprig of holly tied to the handle. The cookie and soup mixes will stay fresh in glass jars. Cover the lids with a swatch of fabric and tie with a wide, colorful ribbon. Don't forget to tie the recipe to the lid.

How well do you know your hostess? She would appreciate a gift chosen with her in mind. How about a cookbook tailored to her specific preferences. Does she love Italian food? Does she enjoy baking? Does she have a favorite host on the cooking channel? Take a moment to reflect on what would please her and then choose from the plethora of available choices.

What could be more nostalgic than a gift of rich, aromatic hot cocoa? This set can be found at L.L. Bean for $29.50. Gift set includes a 16 oz. tin of cocoa mix plus a 5 oz. package of peppermint stirrers. Arrives in a keepsake cotton-canvas tote bag accented with snowflake embroidery. You don't even have to wrap it. What more could you ask?

Flavored olive oils and vinegars are very popular and healthy. A variety of selections are available at reasonable prices at Sotto Voce, or you can make your own. Recipes can be found online, or just drop a few cloves of garlic and a sprig of rosemary into a decorative cruet and fill with a good olive oil. What could be simpler?

Candles are a traditional and always welcomed gift. You can find them in a variety of scents and sizes and styles. These beautiful vanilla pound cake scented candles can be found at Illuminations in an affordable range between $6.00 and $17.95.