Easy Home-Roasted Nuts

Dear Cecily,

I am a transplant to Provence and need a little help. Everyone here seems to know more about cooking and entertaining than I do! What are some nice hors d'oeuvres that you can make well ahead -- say a day ahead -- and that don't need heating or any other attending to before my guests arrive? It'd be nice if they didn't need refrigeration either. I'd like to know something I can make something myself, instead of running to the corner shop. But I find myself too busy on the day of the dinner party to fuss with the hors d'oeuvres. What can I do?
A Bientot,
Mimi from Hyeres

Chere Mimi,

I spent some time in your new hometown myself. What a gorgeous region of France!

Tempting as it is to go to the corner shop and pick up some delicious hors d'oeuvres, with this recipe you won't have to. These home-roasted nuts have enough Provencal flavor to excite all taste buds! They're the perfect solution to your desire for simplicity and your guests' desire for a scrumptious treat to accompany their cocktails. You can make the nuts a few days, or even a week, before your dinner party. Store them in an airtight container in a cool place. Just before your guests arrive, pour the nuts into an attractive dish, and presto, the hors d'oeuvres are done! All that's left is for you to enjoy your guests and the lovely party you've created.

Happy Cooking and A Bientot,
Cecily


Roasted Nuts Provencal

2 lbs. mixed unsalted, unroasted nuts
½ cup dijon mustard with seeds
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons herbes de Provence
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons honey

1) Roast the nuts at 400 degrees for about 8 minutes until toasted and slightly golden.
2) Simultaneously, melt all remaining ingredients in a small saucepan until they begin to bubble.
3) Remove the nuts from the oven and carefully pour them into a large bowl.
4) Immediately pour the bubbling mixture over the nuts.
5) With large forks, stir the mustard mixture gently into the nuts until all the nuts are covered in some sauce—it takes a minute, but it will happen!
5) Pour the nut mixture back onto the cookie sheet to cool.
6) When completely cool, store nuts a cool, dry place in an airtight container until you are ready to use them.
7) Most of all, enjoy your party!