Paula Deen's Lean: Sugar Spice and Everything Nice Mixed Nuts

Would you love a delicious treat that makes the entire house smell like Christmas? Then you need to try this super-easy and delicious recipe for sugar-spiced nuts. The recipe name says mixed nuts, but I made mine with just pecans; a personal preference. I am sure that it would be delicious with almonds or a mixed assortment. Simply replace the pecans with any type of nut you choose for a wonderful snack that you don't have to feel guilty about nibbling on throughout the holidays. Paula's recipe for Sugar Spice and Everything Nice Mixed Nuts can be found on her website at Pauladeen.com.

 SUGAR SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE MIXED NUTS
Makes 1 lb. of Nuts ~ 16 servings



INGREDIENTS:
1 lb. pecan halves (almonds or mixed nuts)
1 cup of Splenda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
3/4 teaspoon salt


DIRECTIONS:


Preheat oven 250 degrees.


In a mixing bowl, whip water and egg white until frothy. In a separate bowl, mix together Splenda, cinnamon and salt. Add pecans to egg white and water; coating nuts evenly. Add the sugar mixture to the bowl and mix until pecans are coated. Spread the pecans on a lightly sprayed cookie sheet.


Bake for one hour; stir every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Store in a tin or other sealable container.


RESULTS:
So delicious! This recipe adds tons of flavor without adding significant amounts of fat and calories. The Splenda has zero calories per cup compared to real sugar which has roughly 774 calories, according to calorieking.com. Most nuts, including pecans, offer several health benefits when eaten regularly and in reasonable portions. To learn more about how nuts are "heart healthy", visit mayoclinic.com. This recipe is wonderful to make for yourself or to share with others. Throw some pecans in a festive dish for a great couch-side snack or place them in a holiday tin as a gift. Almost everyone is sure to enjoy this sweet treat. ENJOY!

NUTRITION FACTS (per 1-oz. serving): 244.56 calories;  20.42g fat;  16.78g carbohydrate;  2.84g protein;  2.95g fiber