Spiced Mixed Nuts
& Cheese Puffs

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             FOOD FUNNY
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Here's one I hadn't heard before. Thanks to Rosemary Zwick for sending it in.

It was time for the final and the student depending upon getting at
least one right answer on the chemistry test. The question was, "If H2O
is water, what is H2O4?" This was a quick question for most, but it took
this student some thinking time. Finally, he wrote down his answer: For
drinking, washing, and cleaning.

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             TODAY'S RECIPE
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This recipe isn't exactly low-fat due to the basic nature of nuts in
general, but you can't deny a fellow a little pleasure during the
holidays. Make a big batch of these and keep them on hand throughout the season.

Spiced Mixed Nuts

3 cups (750 ml) whole almonds, raw cashews, pecans, and raw peanuts
2 Tbs (30 ml) vegetable oil
2 Tbs (30 ml) chili powder or curry powder
1/4 tsp (1 ml) cayenne, or to taste
2 Tbs (30 ml) sugar
Salt to taste

Place the nuts in a mixing bowl. Heat the vegetable oil in a small
skillet and add the chili powder or curry powder and cayenne and stir
for about 15 seconds, until aromatic. Pour this over the nuts, add the
sugar and salt, and stir to combine thoroughly. Transfer to a baking
sheet and bake in a preheated 300F (150C) oven for 20 to 30 minutes,
stirring occasionally, until the nuts are toasted. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Makes 3 cups (750 ml).

Most Americans have had canapés similar to these. In fact, they are so
common that I doubt many people are able to remember the first time they sampled them.

Cheese Puffs

2 egg whites, beaten until stiff
1 cup (250 ml) shredded Cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese
1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp (2 ml) paprika
1/2 tsp (2 ml) dry mustard
Cayenne pepper to taste
10 to 20 (depending on size) small rounds of bread, toasted

Combine the beaten egg whites, cheese, Worcestershire sauce, paprika,
mustard, and cayenne, folding gently so as not to deflate the egg
whites. Spread this mixture on the rounds of toast. Place on a baking
sheet and place under a preheated broiler. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes,
until the cheese mixture is puffed and golden brown.
Serves 6 to 8 as a canapé.
Received on Sun Nov 16 20:04:45 2008