Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Ingredients

　　2 cups unsalted mixed nuts such as pecans and whole almonds

　　1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

　　2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar

　　1 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar

　　1/2 teaspoon cayenne

　　1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

　　1 teaspoon salt

　　In a heavy skillet cook nuts in butter over moderate heat, stirring, 2 minutes. In a small bowl stir together sugars, cayenne, black pepper, and salt and sprinkle mixture over nuts. Continue to cook nuts, stirring constantly, until sugar carmelizes, about 8 minutes. Transfer nuts to a sheet of foil and cool. Break nuts apart. Nuts may be made 3 days ahead and kept in an airtight container.