Cinnamon Cocoa Candied Almonds

These are addicting. They are easy and quick, but look out--the cayenne gives them a nice kick to them. 

Cinnamon Cocoa Candied Almonds

• 3 tablespoons real maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, plus more for coating
• 2 cups raw almonds
• 3/4 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 3/4 tablespoons powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Bring maple syrup, sugar, salt, and spices to a simmer in a small saucepan. Add almonds and stir to coat.
3. Spread almonds in a single layer on prepared cookie sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes. Cool almonds completely, then break them apart.
4. Mix cocoa, powdered sugar and cinnamon in a large ziplock bag. Add almonds and shake until evenly coated.

Applesauce

Usually when I have lots of apples, I resort to making Apple Crisp or White Rabbit Salad. When Mary Ann dropped a bag of apples off on my front step this weekend I figured on making some type of baked treat. We both decided, however, on embarking on a mission to make homemade applesauce. It's amazingly quick and easy, and delicious! It's like eating a sauce version of apple pie, yum.

What's in it

5-6 apples

1/4 C water or apple juice/cider

2 Tbl brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

How it's made

Peel and core apples, then cut them into chunks about an inch square. Place apples in a saucepan with the water/cider/juice. Heat on low until simmering, then simmer covered for 20

minutes or until soft. Remove from heat. Mash apples down until desired texture. I used a pastry cutter, but a potato masher or fork would work as well. If you like smooth sauce, you can use a food processor. Mix in sugar and spices. Eat warm or cold. This would be a great topping for pork chops. Does anyone have a good recipe??