Frosted Pecans or Walnuts

Here is another great candied nut that can be used for gifts.

1/2 c. dairy sour cream

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 1/2 t. vanilla

4 c. pecans or walnuts

Combine sour cream, sugar and vanilla in a large pan. Cook to soft ball stage (234°), stirring frequently to prevent scorching. I cook it on medium low the whole time. Add nuts and stir to coat. Keep stirring until it becomes sugary and then spread out on a buttered cookie sheet. Separate with two forks. I always double the recipe and it works just fine. Warning: it is very addictive.

Cinnamon Almonds

I received this recipe from Michelle Fawcett. This is a great recipe to bag and give as gifts. I usually make it with almonds, but I tried a few pecans in the syrup today and they tasted just as good.

1 c. sugar

1/4 c. water

1/8 t. cream of tartar

1 t. cinnamon

Boil to a soft ball and add 1/2 t. vanilla and 1 1/2 c. almonds. Mix well, stirring until it goes sugary, and pour out into a cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick spray. Break into individual almonds with two forks. At Christmas I five times the recipe and use the 3 pound bag of almonds from Costco.