CHILE SPICED PECANS
This is a simple and delicious gift from the kitchen. The balance between sugar and salt gives a nice crispy coating to these nuts.

Yields Four 4 oz. Gifts
1 large egg white
1 tsp cold water
1 lb high quality shelled pecan halves
1 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Beat the egg white and water in the small bowl of an electric mixer until the liquid is frothy. Fold in the pecans and stir gently so the nuts are well coated with egg white. Combine the sugar, cinnamon, cayenne and salt in a small bowl, and sprinkle the mixture over the pecans, tossing gently to coat well. Scatter the pecans on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the pecans from the oven let cool completely and store in an airtight container.

HOT BUTTERED RUM MIX
What a luxury to relax in front of the fire with a cup of hot buttered rum. Once you indulge in this rich and creamy mixer it will become a winter favorite.

Makes 6 Half-Pint Jars
1 lb butter
1 lb brown sugar
1 lb powdered sugar
1 qt high quality vanilla ice cream
1 tbsp cinnamon
nutmeg to taste
high quality rum

In a large heavy pot, melt the butter and the ice cream over a medium low heat. Mix well. Add spices and sugars and blend well. Remove from heat. Allow to cool completely. Pour into small individual jars. Decorate jar lid with ribbon and gift tags. Keep refrigerated.

To serve place 2 to 3 spoonfuls of buttered rum mixture into an 8 oz. mug. Top with a shot of rum and boiling water to fill. Mix well and serve piping hot.