December 28, 2009

Spiced Nuts

2 Tbsp oil
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dried thyme, crumbled
1/2 tsp. rosemary, chopped finely
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 cups assorted nuts- walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, cashews,peanuts

Whisk all ingredients together except nuts. Coat nuts with mixture. Spread in a shallow baking pan.
Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees.Roast nuts in the middle of the oven. Keep in an airtight container. Serve warm or at room temperature.

2009 has proved to challenge my being both positively and not. Here are some highlights:
1. January: Ally turned 25. We greet her in Bangkok where she visited her brother. She gets engaged to Jason.
2. February: Steve comes home for my birthday. We receive news of my dad's illness.
3. March: Visit Steve in Rochester for his birthday. Spend time with Daddy and Mommy. Come home. Head back to Rochester to help care for Dad through his illness. Spend time with family as they arrive from around the world to spend Dad's last days with him.
4. April: Still with family in Rochester with the blessing of my principal. Thank goodness for an awesome teaching partner and student teacher. Bryan arrives home in time to say goodbye to his lolo. Dad goes to heaven on the 24th.
5. May: Return home to Galena to walk in my graduation ceremony and continue my school year.
6. June: Finish my school year. Garden. Mourn Dad's passing.
7. July: Steve home for the Fourth. One week later, Steve laid off. He is home for good by the 18th. Continue gardening.
8. August: Another school starts in Grade 5. We harvest garlic. It is good.
9. September: Involuntary Transfer to Kindergarten to start in one month. Numbers in Gr. 5 extremely small.
10. October: Kindergarten is WILD! Bryan turns 20.
11. November: Budget cuts in my school district eliminates a paid work day Wednesday before Thanksgiving.It is a gift of time so... Steve and I surprise Rochester family with a visit. The weather cooperated through the three Great Lakes we drove by.
12. December: Mourn Dad's passing. Steve continues to look for work. It is dismal out there. Ally and Bryan come home for Christmas. Family together.

I look forward to 2010.