Spicy Pecans for Serving, Snacking & Gifting
I just couldn't wait another day to start celebrating the holidays, so I pulled out my recipe for salty, sweet, and spicy pecans. It's one of my favorite recipes for nuts, with a flavor combination that is truly addictive.
I thought they'd be perfect to bring to a brunch we're invited to on Sunday and to serve to guests for dinner that same night. But who am I kidding? I really made them for me! Let's get this party started!
Spicy Pecans
Ingredients:
1/2 pound (2-1/2 cups) pecan halves
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F. In a medium bowl, combine pecan halves, sugar, vanilla, salt black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss together until pecans are well coated.
2. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cook stirring occasionally, until sugar starts to caramelize and pecans are toasted, 8 minutes. Remove tray from oven, and continue stirring occasionally while nuts are cooling. Set aside.
Tracy's notes: It's best to check the pecans every few minutes. Don't step away from the oven when your pecans are cooking. I've burned a bunch that way. Otherwise, this recipe couldn't be easier.
Martha Stewart Living, November 1999
--Tracy Schneider
legalsea on November 23, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Excellent, spicy yet sweet! So easy to make!