I just couldn’t wait another day to start celebrating the holidays, so I pulled out my recipe for salty, sweet, and spicy pecans. It’s one of my favorite recipes for nuts, with a flavor combination that is truly addictive.

I thought they’d be perfect to bring to a brunch we’re invited to on Sunday and to serve to guests for dinner that same night. But who am I kidding? I really made them for me! Let’s get this party started!

Spicy Pecans

Ingredients:
1/2 pound (2-1/2 cups) pecan halves
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F. In a medium bowl, combine pecan halves, sugar, vanilla, salt black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss together until pecans are well coated.

2. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cook stirring occasionally, until sugar starts to caramelize and pecans are toasted, 8 minutes. Remove tray from oven, and continue stirring occasionally while nuts are cooling. Set aside.

Tracy’s notes: It’s best to check the pecans every few minutes. Don’t step away from the oven when your pecans are cooking. I’ve burned a bunch that way. Otherwise, this recipe couldn’t be easier.

Martha Stewart Living, November 1999

—Tracy Schneider