look at these nuts!

Here are a couple of last-minute nut recipes for gifts, gatherings or gorging.

Freddie's Chocolate Peanut Clusters

12 oz white chocolate chips (did you know white chocolate isn't chocolate at all?)
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 lb. salted peanuts

Combine and melt in microwave (2-3 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to make sure it doesn't burn) stir until no lumps. Mix in peanuts and spoon clumps onto wax paper on cookie sheets. Chill to harden and serve.

Rosemary Roasted Cashews

1 1/4 pounds cashew nuts
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon melted butter

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Place the nuts on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until they are warmed through. Meanwhile, combine the rosemary, pepper, sugar, salt and butter in a large bowl. Toss the warm nuts with the rosemary mixture until the nuts are completely coated. Serve warm.

**Update: I made these last night, and they are AWESOME! Don't get the salted cashews - look for the unsalted ones. It makes a difference. PS - after you take the cashews out of the oven, toss them in the butter first to coat. Then, toss with the rosemary mixture. That will help the spices stick.

Happy Christmas!