Sweet and Spicy Nut and Pretzel Mix

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/2 cup blanched almonds
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups tiny unsalted pretzels
• 1 cup crispy rice cereal squares (such as Rice Chex)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Preparation

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. 2. Combine brown sugar, 1 teaspoon thyme, salt, cinnamon, and red pepper in a small bowl.
3. 3. Combine pecans and almonds on a jelly-roll pan. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until the nuts begin to brown. Combine the pecan mixture and butter in a medium bowl, stirring until butter melts. Gently stir in pretzels, cereal, and syrup. Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over pretzel mixture; toss gently to coat. Spread pretzel mixture in a single layer on jelly-roll pan. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes, stirring once. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon thyme. Cool completely.