Need a last minute gift idea?  

Just grab some cashews and roast these addicting cinnamon-sugar coated nuts. 

On a daily basis, I've cut sugar entirely from my diet for several health reasons. But, around the Christmas season, these candied cashews always become an exception and a treat.  I give them as gifts, mail a bag to friends, bring some home to my family and I currently have a jar of them sitting on my counter. 

Your guests will love them, your significant other will love them, your co-workers will love them... and you will too!

Candied Cashews

• 3 cups raw, unsalted whole cashews (a little over 1 pound)
• 2 egg whites
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup white sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt  (omit if cashews are already salted)
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Directions: 

1. In a bowl, beat the egg whites and the vanilla together with a whisk, until frothy. About 30-60 seconds. Toss in the cashews to coat. 
2. In a large, gallon-sized Ziploc bag, add the sugar, salt and cinnamon.  Shake it all together to combine. 
3. Pour the covered nuts into the bag and seal.  Toss/shake the mixture in the bag to coat all the nuts.  It will be moist and the sugar will look dissolved. 
4. Once completely coated, spread out the sugared nuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 
5. Bake at 275 degrees for about an hour. Toss the cashews every 15 minutes. 
6. Take out and let cool on the sheet pan. Then, break up and store in an air-tight container or mason jar. 

Added bonus - your kitchen will smell amazing. :)