9 sweet spice nut recipes

This kung pao tofu was very tasty. I used two green bell peppers and 1 red bell peppers. Didn't have oyster sauce, so I used housin sauce, and it worked deliciously well.

Candied spicy pecans coated in cinnamon sugar and egg white, slow-baked at low heat for one hour until crisp and caramelized. An addictive sweet-spiced nut snack or holiday gift.

Thai jungle curry with catfish, homemade curry paste, Thai eggplant, and kaffir lime leaves. A fiery, coconut-free curry that's broth-based, bold, and ready in 20 minutes.

Florentine triangle cookies with a buttery shortbread crust, candied cherry and pineapple topping with almonds, and a semi-sweet chocolate drizzle. A stunning holiday cookie.

"SOUTH TO NORTH -- `Everything' Salsa Adds Zing to, Well, Everything." Jacqueline Higuera McMahan

Shrimp pizza with a tangy steak sauce, chutney, horseradish, and lime base instead of tomato sauce. Topped with mozzarella, Parmesan, Vidalia onion, and green pepper.

Mustard-rubbed chicken breasts baked in parchment with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, peppers, and fresh thyme. A healthy, low-fat dinner with built-in cleanup.

Castilian garlic soup (sopa de ajo) layers smoky paprika-crisped bread cubes, poached eggs, Spanish ham, and garlic-infused broth. A rustic Spanish peasant classic with deep comfort.

Thick and hearty, great with a grilled cheese sandwich or on its own.