Originally published on May 15, 2011
Even as a child, I loved any kind of roasted nut that I could get my hands on. Every year, after Thanksgiving dinner, my mother would put a large bowl of roasted nuts on the dining room table and hand out the nutcrackers. To this day, if you come to my home, you’ll find a Tupperware bowl of either roasted almonds or pecans on my kitchen island; and they are wonderful just as they are with no added salt or flavors.
Now, imagine adding sugar, salt, and some heat to an already delicious pecan. 🙂 What you end up with is a very tasty and crunchy pecan that is delicious on its own to munch as an appetizer along with your favorite beverage or cocktail. Add it to a salad with some goat cheese or blue cheese and a tangy vinaigrette, and you’ll get a salad worthy of a restaurant menu.
These spicy glazed pecans are truly addictive If you need a hostess gift or Christmas gifts for the neighbors, this recipe has you covered—but make some for yourself first!
Sweet & Spicy Pecans
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tbl. water
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 5/8 tsp. cayenne
- 4 cups pecan halves
Directions
Butter a heavy large baking sheet. Combine the first 4 ingredients in a heavy small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Boil 2 minutes. Add pecans and stir until pecans are coated with mixture, about 1 minute.
Transfer pecans to prepared sheet, spreading evenly.
Bake at 350o F until pecans are just beginning to brown, about 9 to 10 minutes. Transfer to cookie sheet lined with waxed paper and separate pecans with fork. Cool completely.
These nuts can be prepared 1 week ahead. Store in airtight container.
A frantastic original
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