Time for the Oscars and some Munchies!

I love the Academy Awards!  Try these great little munchies, which will be a nice change from popcorn, and just enough for two.  So pull up a blanket, snuggle up, and stay inside to watch the Oscars tonight.  Who do you think will win?


Spiced Walnuts

1-1/2 cups walnut halves
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a heavy medium skillet; heat over medium-high heat to boiling.  Cook, stirring constantly, until all the liquid has evaporated and nuts are coated and sugary, about 5 minutes.  Transfer to a nonstick baking sheet, breaking nuts apart, with hands or using a spatula to separate while still warm. Let cool.

Here's a little Oscar trivia:

-The most Oscars won by a woman is Edith Head for costume design
-Most Oscars won by anyone- Walt Disney (22 competitive, two honorary)
-Shortest Oscar acceptance speech - Joe Pesci who won for Goodfellas in 1991: "It's my privilege.  Thank you." (2 seconds)
-Longest Oscar acceptance speech- Greer Garson in 1943 for Mrs. Miniver (7 minutes)
-Longest Academy Awards telecast- 2002, which ran 4 hours and 23 minutes!