For the hard-to-buy for guys on my Christmas list, I like to go with food-related gifts. You cannot go wrong. First, most people like food. Especially guys. Second, if they don’t like it, by the time they figure it out the gift is gone. Brilliant! No reminder of your failure.
So these nuts — easy, savory, and totally in the holiday spirit — make the perfect gift. Package them up in a mason jar with kitchen string tied around the lid, and you’ve just made yourself a class-A gift for a special man in your life.
Recipe adapted from Shutterbean.
Ingredients:
2 cups (or 1 8 oz. bag) of raw whole pecans
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. (or 2 sprigs) finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
To Make:
1. Preheat oven to 325.
2. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and stir until pecans are evenly coated.
3. Arrange pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Bake at 325 for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted and fragrant.
5. Cool to room temperature, then enjoy!
You can do a number of variations on these. Tracy at Shutterbean did her recipe with almonds. In the past I’ve done them with some honey and those were a little messy but it added a glorious layer of sweetness. Or, change it up with the spices and swap out a little of the chili powder for cumin, more garlic powder, or cayenne pepper. N would be very proud of how I am thinking up all these spice combinations 
.
Happy gift-giving!
VERY proud–and kind of envious of your dad. Don’t forget the best one of all–smoooooooked paprika. Just put it on everything.