Hutch & Ray: snacks + wrapping + style

COOK, CREATE, EAT, GIFT, PARTY, SHOP

December 20, 2016 / By Lexi Johnson / Post a Comment

Today has been all about checking things off my list! I’m hoping by the end of the week I can kick back, relax, and enjoy all the little things that makes Christmas so beautiful…with some Jingle Juice in hand!

One of the items on today’s list was making these delicious almonds! A little sweet, a little spicy, and a whole lotta flavor–these almonds are addicting! I’ve been making batch after batch over the last couple weeks and throwing them into little jars for Christmas gifts. The recipe is easy, and they’re great to have on hand–either for gifting or just snacking! Be prepared for your entire house to smell ahhh-mazing!

More outfit details below and at www.kimraystyle.com!

Rosemary & Thyme Almonds

Ingredients
10 cups almonds
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
5 sprigs fresh thyme (only leaves)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary (only leaves)

Directions
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-Place nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and place in oven to toast (about 15 minutes).
-While almonds are in the oven heat butter in a small saucepan over medium-high until butter becomes golden brown. Be careful not to burn the butter! (This is my favorite part…more on things to do with browned butter in a future post!)
-In a large bowl mix together sugar, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Mix in the brown butter.
-Mix in almonds and toss to combine.
-Return the almonds to the baking sheet and place back in the oven for 10-12 minutes.
-Remove from oven and cool completely on wax paper on the counter.
-Store in air tight container.

Now, about all that wrapping that there is to do…and what’re you wearing to your Christmas party!? Keep reading for some simple wrapping inspiration + the talented Kim Ray has some adorable party looks! See below!

You’re probably not surprised that I went with a black and white wrapping theme this year. I love to add pops of red and green to the basic paper. Spring Sweet has some great wrapping paper prints (perfect for anytime of the year). I also did a little DIY paper this year. Super simple…white splattered paint on black paper. I also did gold splattered paint on white paper. It’s simple, but that’s the way I like it! Adding a little greenery, ornament, or some kind of bauble is a fun way to adorn those packages!