a "first" fest

Here are a few things I learned this year: AP chemistry will kick your ass if you don't study. Sharing baked goods will give you a lot of hugs. Arepas are Amazing, with a capital A. A few good friends is all you need. Instagram is the best app because then you don't have to do a tedious ritual in order to upload pics from your DSLR. Speaking of apps, Temple Run is addicting. You don't need to have a hand mixer to make cake. Your first cake will turn out fine.

monday pick-me-ups | spiced and candied nuts

(adapted from smittenkitchen)
Ever since I was little, my mother included tree nuts and broccoli into my supper. As as young girl who had a voracious appetite, I didn't care what the substance was on my plate. If I could eat it, good. I'll eat it. So I did. I suppose my love for tree nuts started then.

I adore nuts with chocolate. With green beans and garlic. In warm cookies. In oatmeal with cinnamon and brown sugar. But the simplest preparation is to roast them. Well roasted almonds are one of my favorite snacks. They become a whole different flavor when roasted. They are deep, complex, and sweet.

Dry roasting almonds has become second nature to me. My mom has done this ritual since I was a tot. But roasting them with cinnamon, sugar, salt, and paprika? Whoa, buddy. The extra crunch from the sugar shell is just magnificent.

This recipe can be adapted to any nut and a variety of spices. I can't wait to play with different flavor combinations!