So, these are pretty much my favorite thing this time {and anytime} of year: Spiced Maple Pecans.

Why?

You can use them in or with so many things-  so it’s a very efficient use of your time in the kitchen, and a lot better for you that rounds and rounds of baking cookies this time of year!

With unrefined, extra virgin coconut oil as the base (it’s one of the healthiest oils and best fats to eat, plus it tastes like heaven) and organic maple syrup or raw honey as a touch of sweetener (both of which have great enzymes still left in tact that processed sweeteners don’t), everything has been upgraded so you can feel great about snacking on these or setting them out for any party or gathering.

They will literally fly out of the bowl… and yes, that’s a promise.

A little bit spicy and a little bit sweet, the nuts give a little extra punch of taste in all sorts of dishes. Other than by themselves (my personal fav), they are also great for:

•  Crushed for gluten-free and healthier crusts for apple crisps, pumpkin pie, or cheesecakes
•  Snacks or cocktail appetizers
•  Homemade gifts
•  Steel cut oatmeal  or morning quinoa with berries and fruit
•  Mixed green, spinach or arugula salads (with gorgonzola, blue or goat cheese & pear, persimmon, apples or dried cranberries)

Spiced Maple Pecans

Makes 4-6 servings

a recipe from The Simply Real Health Cookbook

2 cups assorted raw nuts of your choice/pecans alone

2 tablespoons extra virgin, unrefined coconut oil, melted

1 tablespoon maple syrup (dark)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degree and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Melt the coconut oil and maple syrup together first. Stir in cinnamon, cayenne pepper and sea salt and mix well to combine. Add nuts to a mixing bowl and pour coconut oil mixture in. Stir well. Spread nuts on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until they start to brown.

Store in a airtight container for up to 2 weeks. 

 

Done.

Simple, easy and delicious.

Happy holidays indeed.

Love this recipe? You’d love the cookbook then too, or the Simply Real Health Healthy Holiday Recipe Collection (with over 70 easy, healthy upgrades to the dishes we all love!)

And be sure to check out the brand new Food Academy, now open for enrollment, and the seasonal meal plans. Plus, did you know you can download a free 3 day sample of the current Fall Meal Plan here? Grab it now!