party favors in a flash

Giving a gift to guests is a snap-we've done (almost) all the work.

End an evening among friends with this memento. We created a six-ingredient Sweet Spice Blend and put it to good use in three delicious recipes. We've put a festive page of these recipes online for you to print and give to guests along with a jar of the blend (see "Just 4 Steps" below for directions). For more spice ideas, see "From Our Kitchen" on page 204. ALYSSA PORUBCAN AND SHIRLEY HARRINGTON

Sugar-and-Spice Nuts

MAKES ABOUT 5 CUPS

PREP: 15 MIN., BAKE: 55 MIN.

Use 1 pound of your favorite combination of raw nuts to make this addictive snack.

¾ cup sugar

1 tablespoon Sweet Spice Blend

¾ teaspoon salt

1 egg white

1 tablespoon water

1 pound pecan halves*

COMBINE first 3 ingredients in a medium bowl; set aside.

BEAT egg white and 1 tablespoon water in a medium bowl using a handheld egg beater or a wire whisk until foamy. (No liquid should remain.) Add pecans, stirring until evenly coated.

ADD pecans to sugar mixture, stirring until evenly coated. Place pecans in a single layer on a buttered 15- x 10-inch jelly-roll pan.

BAKE at 275° for 50 to 55 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread immediately in a single layer on wax paper; cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

* Whole almonds or walnut halves may be substituted.

Honey-Spice Butter

MAKES ABOUT ½ CUP

PREP: 5 MIN.

Serve this versatile spread with pancakes, biscuits, or sweet potatoes; or stir into oatmeal for a flavorful twist.

½ cup butter, softened

2 tablespoons honey

¾ teaspoon Sweet Spice Blend

STIR together all ingredients until mixture is smooth.

Spiced-Glazed Carrots

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

PREP: 10 MIN., COOK: 15 MIN.

This recipe easily doubles.

1 pound baby carrots

3 tablespoons apricot preserves

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon Sweet Spice Blend

ARRANGE carrots in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam 7 to 9 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove from heat.

STIR together 3 tablespoons apricot preserves and next 4 ingredients in a medium skillet over medium heat until blended. Stir in carrots, and cook until thoroughly heated. Serve immediately.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Nov 2005
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