Simple Sweet and Savory Spiced Walnuts

These are really simple and use much less butter than some. They are mildly sweet and mildly spicy---those who love super spicy will have to add cayenne, etc. They are a lovely complement to a glass of sherry or a cheese board to be served with wine. They are a great addition to salads and can be chopped and included in any number of sweet and savory pastries.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Yields: 2 cups

Ingredients

• 2  cups walnut halves
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar (dark or lite(may use more if you prefer the nuts sweeter)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  smoked paprika
• 1⁄2 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 3 -4  roasted garlic cloves
• 1  tablespoon butter

Directions

1. Have ready a silpat on a sheet pan or a parchment lined pan on a surface which can withstand heat.
2. Mash the garlic with the brown sugar and spices to form a paste.
3. Melt the butter in a non stick skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the sugar/spice paste to the skillet and, using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir to combine the butter and paste (about a minute or two).
5. Once it is roughly combined, add the walnuts and stir to coat; this will take no more than a minute or two.
6. When the walnuts are coated, transfer them to the silpat or parchment.
7. Spread them out with your wooden spatula and allow to cool.
8. Store the cooled nuts in a tin or jar.
9. Use in salads (butter lettuce, beets, blue cheese and these nuts--super!), or as a nibble with cocktails/apertifs.