Spiced Bacon Pecans

4 strips bacon, diced

2 cups pecan halves

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon cayenne

½ teaspoon flaked salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

3 tablespoons brown sugar

Line a rimmed baking sheet with kitchen parchment.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until almost crispy. Add the pecans and toss to coat thoroughly, then cook, stirring frequently, until evenly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, cayenne, salt, pepper and brown sugar. Toss with the bacon and pecans and cook for another minute. Spread out on the prepared baking sheet and allow to cool fully. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition information per ¼ cup: 230 calories; 190 calories from fat (83 percent of total calories); 21 g fat (3 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 5 mg cholesterol; 170 mg sodium; 8 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 5 g sugar; 4 g protein.

Makes 2½ cups

Alison Ladman