The quickest snack or salad you've ever made for guests

This is a GREAT thing to bring to a party if you've been tasked to bring a munchie. People will rave about them and they take less than five minutes total to make. Also, they keep REALLY well in a ziploc in the fridge. I use them with sliced pears roasted with balsamic vinegar (400 deg for 25-30) over spinach with a little goat cheese for a really elegant salad course that's no time at all. I tend to use a little extra cayenne, but that's me.

From Bon Appetit, December 2000:

Candied Walnuts

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 cup walnuts (about 3 1/2 ounces)
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Generous pinch of cayenne pepper

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray baking sheet with nonstick spray. Combine walnuts and all remaining ingredients in medium bowl; toss to coat. Spread nut mixture on prepared baking sheet (some nuts may clump together). Bake until nuts are deep golden and sugar mixture is bubbling, stirring occasionally to break up clumps, about 15 minutes. Cool completely on baking sheet. (Can be made 3 days ahead. Store in airtight container.)