Thursday, December 23, 2010

Nick's New Favorite Last Minute Gift - Spiced Pecans


It is officially time for you to start panicking if you haven't finished your holiday shopping- Of course, I'm always glad to lend a helping hand to those of you struggling to find the right gift for the hard to buy or last minute guest.

Recently, I met Alison Lewis and an Alabama Bloggers Lunch- she is the real deal in the professional foodie world and it's likely that you've made some of the recipes that she has written. (Add her site to your favorites right now)

A couple weeks ago she posted a recipe for Lightened Up Spiced-Sugary Pecans. Let's put it this way, it's sugar and spice and everything nice. I'm on my fifth(don't say a word) batch and am still in complete awe. Granted, I kicked up the cayenne(you'll see) in mine to add an extra bite, but they are spot-on just as the recipe calls.

Pictured is how I am taking them to a small family gathering and doling them out to unsuspecting folks- they'll be angry they only get a pint jars worth.

Tie some raffia, a bow or tree ornament on them(I used twine because we live in the country and my family appreciates it like that) and they'll be the hit of the holiday. I promise.

Here is Alison's recipe:

Spiced-Sugary Pecans

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 cups
Ingredients
1/2 cup white granulated sugar
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or smoked paprika
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
16 ounces whole pecans (almonds and walnuts can be substituted)
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 300F.

2. Combine sugars, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne or smoked paprika in a small bowl, mixing well.

3. Whisk together egg white and water until frothy. Add pecans, tossing to coat; drain. Sprinkle nuts with sugar mixture, mixing well.

4. Place pecans in a single layer on a large cookie sheet coated lined with parchment paper. Bake at 300F for 30 minutes, tossing occasionally. Remove from oven and separate as they cool. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

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Hope this helps- Happy Holidays! 

2 comments:

  1. Alison- Thank YOU for such an AWESOME recipe! It became and instant holiday favorite!

    ReplyDelete

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