As we move toward the holidays, I like to stock the pantry with a supply of spiced nuts to serve with drinks or add some balance to a cheese tray. For years, I made a variation of the Union Square Cafe's bar nuts, and while I still love those fiery, yet sweet, morsels, I wanted to try something new this year. A quick search of my favorite food sites unearthed the orange spiced cashews that I'm featuring today. The recipe was develop for Martha Stewart Living, and once I saw it, I knew I had to give it a try. The recipe is simple to make and the spiced cashews are delicious. With that said, I have a caution to share with you. I strongly advise that creative impulses be contained, at least the first time you make these nuts. Too much orange zest will spoil them. Please don't ask how I know that. If you follow the recipe as it is written, I think you'll be delighted with the results. While I'll continue to make the Union Square version, I'll also make these available for folks who find the old standard too hot for their palates. If you are looking for something different to serve your guests, I hope you'll give this recipe a try. The cashews are delicious and I think you'll love them. Here's how they are made.

Orange Spiced Cashews

Ingredients:

2-1/2 cups whole cashews

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

1-1/2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Pinch of cayenne pepper

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. In a medium bowl, mix cashews with corn syrup until evenly coated. Set aside.

2) In a small bowl, combine salt, zest, ginger, coriander, cumin, and cayenne. Sprinkle mixture over nuts, and stir until nuts are evenly coated. Transfer to one of the prepared baking sheets; spread in a single layer, separating nuts.

3) Bake until the nuts are golden and the syrup is bubbling, about 15 minutes. Immediately transfer nuts to the other baking sheet. Separate cashews with a fork and let cool. Yield: 2-1/2 cups.

One Year Ago Today: Honey Muffins

Two Years Ago Today: Candied Walnuts

Three Years Ago Today: Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Lasagna