The nice part about this dish is that once you get it started, it pretty much takes care of itself, making a nice snack that can be frozen for up to 6 months.

1. Place all ingredients in a slow cooker; stir.

2. Cook on high setting 15 minutes.

3. Reduce to lowest setting; continue cooking uncovered 2 hours.

4. Nuts are done when glaze isn’t sticky and nuts have a crisp texture.

5. Put in containers. Label and freeze.

• MAKES 1 POUND

• INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound walnuts

• ½ cup butter

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon allspice

• ¼ teaspoon ginger

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla

Walnuts in History Walnuts have played a role in folk remedies since the time of Rome, when black walnuts were eaten to treat intestinal troubles. They also appeared in Russian and Chinese folk medicine for building strength and overall vitality.