Christmas Nuts

Dear Reader,

I have chosen to reprint this column from last year as I find myself still rushing around, as you will read! In the interest of enjoying more and rushing less, I submit this sentiment once again for us all to consider.

May the joy of this festive time of year not pass you by, and may you have many souls with which to share it.

Kristin, and Chef Martin and the creatures at Rabbit Hollow

Here we are, a few days from the big day, and everyone is running at mach speed trying to check everything off the list and be sure that they are ready to fulfill all their holiday obligations. Fight the traffic to get to the mall, wait in line to buy the gifts, stay up 'til midnight wrapping and baking and decorating so that it’s all according to plan for Christmas Eve. You barely have time to get to the parties to see people, and then you are thinking of the million other things that need doing when you get home. The problem is, Christmas is all over too soon and many of us are left feeling symptoms of withdrawal when all too soon things are just back to the usual race. So, fear not, gentle reader – I have a simple solution for you to save the spirit of Christmas, and your sanity!

Here it is – stop the rushing and just listen, look and enjoy. You think I am a bit nuts, don’t you? I can’t stop, you say, or I shall never get it all done. Well, so what? Isn’t the most important thing to be able to enjoy the season, to spend time with family and friends, to be grateful for what we have? I wrote last week about the magic and mystery that is in the true spirit of Christmas. It seems to me Christmas is only mysterious when we lose sight of its true significance. Instead of worrying about all the gifts from the store, think of a simple meaningful gift for your loved ones (maybe it is a “gift certificate” for an afternoon spent sharing a coffee). Instead of the complicated holiday menu, try the shortcuts you can find all over the internet or on the Food Network (A shameless plug here: I know a certain chef Martin here in Kelowna who will offer suggestions if you send him an e-mail!) Ask the kids to help wrap gifts or clean the house or shovel the walk and then spend the time gained sharing a hot chocolate or humming a carol or two. You will find that even the smallest moment spent simply enjoying the fun of the holiday season gives your heart a boost that will broaden your smile and increase your stamina.

Tom Robbins said, “It is contrary to the nature of mystery to stand still. Yet it’s always there, somewhere, a world on the other side of the mirror…, a promise in the next pair of eyes that smile at us. We glimpse it when we stand still.” Take the time to stand still and enjoy Christmas and you will realize another truth this same author wrote, “It is never too late to have a happy childhood.”

As a closing note, here is a simple treat for you to enjoy – it can be a great gift when packaged in a tin or gift bag, too!

Spiced Pecans

You can use hazelnuts or walnuts too (many of us have trees – include the recipe with some nuts from your tree and you have a very personal gift for a friend or neighbour!)

2 tbsp butter, softened (OR see option below to avoid using butter)

2/3 cup granulated sugar (you can substitute brown sugar for a more maple-like taste)

1/2 cup water

3 cups pecans

2 tsp EACH ground ginger and sea salt (you can substitute cinnamon if you like, or a combination of fragrant spices like cardamom, nutmeg and cloves)

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment and spread parchment with butter. OR, if you have a silicone baking sheet, put that on your rimmed baking sheet and you can place the nuts directly on it. (Martin sells these on his website if you need one.)

In a saucepan, pour water and then pour sugar over, in a pile in the middle. Bring sugar and water to a boil – DO NOT STIR – and let boil for approximately 5 minutes, or until golden in colour. Remove from heat. Stir in pecans and let stand for 5 minutes, stirring often.

Using a sieve, drain pecans and return to saucepan - stir in spices. Spread on prepared baking sheet and bake at 350F till toasted, approximately 10-15 minutes. Let cool on pan and then package for gifts or serve.

A very Merry Christmas to you all!

Kristin and Martin

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.