Spiced Walnuts...and PLEASE vote for me!

Even though I'll be 43 (gasp!) in a few weeks, I'm still fortunate enough to have two grandparents that are still alive.  One is my grandpa.   Unfortunately, I don't get to see him that much since he lives down in Florida.  But because we spent SO much time with my grandma and him for so many years, I have countless memories of all different kinds.

My brother, sister and I spent lots of time at our grandparents' house.  Grandpa was a truck driver so he wasn't always there, but when he was, you could bet he was sitting on his recliner, watching tv and smoking his pipe, with a jar of nuts right by his side.  I don't remember exactly what kind of nuts they were, or if they were always the same or not, but I do remember them being his favorite snack.

I love all kinds of nuts, but sometimes the ones right out of a can or jar just don't cut it.  So, I look for different ways to "spice" them up.  Like this.

The perfect snack for anytime.  But be careful - they are definitely addicting!

And before I share the recipe, I have to ask all of you, my wonderful readers, to take just a few minutes to vote for my Pasta e Fagioli in a contest I entered, sponsored by Lidia Bastianich (one of my idols!).  Every vote counts so PLEASE vote and spread the word if you can!

CLICK HERE to vote.  Thank you! :)

Spiced Walnuts
from Dolcetto Confections

1 cup raw walnut halves
4 teaspoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with tin foil or parchment paper.

Combine walnuts, syrup and oil in a bowl and mix.  In a small bowl, stir together cinnamon, salt and cloves.  Add spice mixture to nuts, stirring to coat evenly.

Bake until nuts are very fragrant and toasted, about 10 minutes.  Allow walnuts to cool on baking sheet before serving.  Store in airtight container.