Fun, Fancy Snack Nuts

These savory walnuts, flavored with herbs and just a touch of butter, make a great addition to a cheese tray. Substitute cashews or different spices to create your own special mix.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw walnuts
• 1 tablespoon canola or other vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sage or poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon coarse or kosher salt
• Parchment paper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spread nuts in a single layer on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet or baking pan.
3. Toast the nuts for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once midway.
4. While the nuts are toasting, combine the oil, butter, fresh rosemary, sage or poultry seasoning, paprika and coarse salt in a large bowl.
5. Lower the oven temperature to 300 degrees.
6. Add toasted nuts to the spice mixture and toss well to coat.
7. Return the coated nuts to the parchment-lined pan or sheet and spread in a single layer.
8. Bake at 300 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until nuts are dark and fragrant.
9. Remove pan from the oven, stir nuts one more time and transfer to a rack to cool.
10. Cool completely before storing to maintain crispness. Nuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, in the refrigerator or even frozen.

Variations:

• Substitute pecans for the walnuts.
• Substitute cashews. No need to pre-toast cashews.
• Substitute fresh oregano or fresh thyme for the rosemary.