Nuts are easy to prepare and give as gifts or enjoy at a party. Following are some recipes that are easy and fun to make. Small jars, decorated for the season, make a welcome gift.  

Toasted Nuts
Spread pecans, walnuts or almonds on a plate.  Heat on High in microwave until they smell toasted and start to brown.   These will burn quickly, so watch carefully.   1/2 cup takes less than a minute.

Blanched Almonds
These are easy to prepare.   Use raw almonds with the skins on them.   Heat in a microwave safe bowl, covered with water.  When they are hot, remove from the microwave and cool until you can easily slip the skins off.  Dry and store in airtight container until ready to enjoy.   These are now ready for topping cookies or cakes.

Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Melt almond bark (candy coating), a 1 ounce squares, a couple at a time.   Watch carefully, as chocolate burns quickly.   About 1 minute for one once, adding time by 30 seconds for additional chocolate.   Stir in roasted peanuts (salt and fat free ones save calories).  Drop by teaspoons onto waxed paper, making clusters.

Burnt Peanuts

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

2 cups raw peanuts

Combine the sugar and water in a microwave safe bowl.  Bring to a boil.  Add peanuts.  Cook until coated and no syrup remains.   Stir every 30 seconds.  When peanuts start to brown and moisture has evaporated, spread onto a baking sheet lined with foil.  Bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.   Allow to cool before storing in and air tight container.

Festive Nuts

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon each: ground cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 ounces unsalted mixed nuts or your choice of nuts

1 large egg white

Combine the sugar, spices and salt in a bowl; reserve.  In a separate bowl, toss the nuts with the egg white, then toss nuts well with the sugar/spice mixture.   Spread half the nuts on a microwave safe plate, separating them as much as possible. Heat on High in the microwave until crisp and egg white bubbles, 2-5 minutes and nuts are dried.  Stir each after each minute.  Let cool.  Store in an air tight container.  Repeat with remaining prepared nuts.
TIP:  To prepare in oven, spread nuts on a foil lined baking sheet.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes.  With a spatula, break the nuts apart.  Return to oven for 5 minutes more to dry them completely.  

Spicy Mixed Nuts

3 tablespoons butter or margarine

1 pound mixed nuts or your choice

1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon chili powder

1/8 teaspoon ground cumin

In a microwave safe bow, melt butter.  Add nuts and Worcestershire sauce, heat 1-2, minutes until nuts are hot.  Drain on paper towels.  Return to bowl.  Combine seasonings; sprinkle over nuts and toss to coat.  Lay on flat surface to cool.  Store in an airtight container at room temperature.   Makes 3 cups.