Wintertime in New Orleans means lots of pecans on the shelves. Here’s a quick, tasty afterschool snack. (Also popular when you need a snack-to-share.) If your munchers don’t like spicy treats, make a batch with just the sugar and a little cinnamon.

Sweet And Spicy Pecans

2 cups pecan halves
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt

Toss pecans in butter. Combine sugar and remaining ingredients; sprinkle over pecans, tossing to coat. Spread on a baking sheet; bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool. Yield: 2 cups.