Chipotle Lime Mixed Nuts

This is my favorite nut recipe so far. They combine some of my favorite flavors: lime juice and spice. I found this on Simply Recipes, which calls for chipotle powder as the spice, however, I find that flavor a little too strong, so I used a combination of cayenne and Chinese five spice ... and the result was amazing. I made this for a dinner party, and it was eaten up in no time.

In case you're worried about the egg whites, don't be. The Simply Recipe site refers to them as "nature's glue", which is an ideal description. They're a great way to get the spices to stick to the nuts, as they impart no flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, etc.)
• 3 teaspoons salt
• Grated zest of 2 limes
• 3 Tbsp brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons chipotle powder (can substitute chili powder, cayenne, Chinese five spice, Garam Masala, etc.)
• 2 egg whites
• 2 Tbsp lime juice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Muddle the grated lime zest with the salt in a large bowl by mashing it around with the back of a wooden spoon, forming it into a paste. Add the brown sugar and spice powder and mix well.
3. Whisk in the egg whites. Add the nuts and mix to combine, until all of the nuts are well coated.
4. Place the nuts in a layer on a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until light golden brown. Remove from oven, sprinkle lime juice over all the nuts and return to the oven for 2 minutes. Allow to cool before eating.

Serves a lot. Eat them.