Spiced Pecans

I've tried a few different methods of candying nuts, and this is my fave. It also happens to be the easiest. America's Test Kitchen hasn't failed me yet. These are great on their own, or awesome in a salad.

Spiced Pecans

2 T. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. cloves
1/8 tsp. allspice
2 C. pecan halves
2 T. sugar

Melt butter over medium-low in a non-stick skillet. Stir in salt, pepper, cinnamon, cloves and allspice. Stir in pecans, and toast until color just starts to deepen, 6-8 minutes. Toss in a bowl with sugar and spread on a plate to cool.

The salad I like goes like this: romaine lettuce, sliced Bartlett pears, TJ's Champagne Pear Vinaigrette, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, and the spiced pecans. Give it a try- it's a great one.