Savory Mixed Nuts

This is a new (to me) recipe for taking an ordinary can of mixed nuts and making them a little more yummy. I got the recipe from Pam Anderson’s new book, Perfect One-Dish Dinners, but altered it significantly to make it Aldivore and to require only one can of nuts in the preparation.

I’m a big fan of nuts, in general, and I especially like to have them around when I entertain. They are great for snacking and as an easy no-fuss nibble that folks can have with a drink while you get everything on the table. These also make a lovely gift.

12 oz. can of roasted, salted mixed nuts
1 t. thyme
1/2 to 1t. lemon or orange zest
1 t. brown sugar (light or dark is fine)
1 t. paprika
1/4 t. cayenne (more if you like spicy)
1/4 t. kosher salt
1 T. melted butter

Set the oven to 350 degrees. Place the nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast them until fragrant — about 10-12 minutes. Meanwhile, mix all the remaining ingredients except the butter in a medium sized bowl. Put the toasted nuts in the bowl and stir to coat them with the spice mixture. Add the butter to the nuts and then toss again. Spread on the baking sheet to cool.