The apples are an unexpected variation to spiced nuts. Tasty!

Ingredients:

• 8 c mixed unsalted nuts
• 1 pound thick-cut bacon
• 1 c dried apple rings, chopped
• 2 egg whites
• 2 tsp water
• 1/2 c light brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt (if using salted nuts, omit salt)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 300°.
2. Cook the bacon until crisp, drain on paper towel, roughly chop, set aside.
3. Combine the sugar and the spices in a small bowl, set aside.
4. In a large clean bowl vigorously whisk the egg whites until foamy.
5. Add the water and continue to whisk until you have soft peaks and there is no water on the bottom of the bowl. Be careful not to go too far – whites should be soft, light and foamy, not stiff.
6. Toss the nuts into the bowl and coat the nuts in the egg whites lightly, using your fingertips.
7. Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the nuts and gently toss until everything is completely coated.
8. Spread in a single layer onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
9. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring and flipping with a spatula occasionally.
10. After 20 minutes sprinkle with the bacon and apple, toss one more time and return to the oven for another 10 minutes.
11. Remove from oven and let nuts cool completely on the baking sheets.
12. When they are cool break up any larger clumps

Serves: 8 cups
Source: foodrepublic.co
Comments: Once baked, they keep for a few days at room temperature and actually improve after a day or two on the counter.