Candied Pecans

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Every other Sunday, our church has a potluck after service – a time for everyone to bring their favorite dishes. One Sunday, though, I totally blanked on it and had just an hour to figure out what to contribute. Luckily, I spotted a bag of pecans in my cupboard.

In a moment of inspiration, I decided to whip up some candied pecans. Why not bring something a bit different to the potluck scene? These little gems are not only versatile but also incredibly easy to make. They’re perfect for tossing in salads, adding to a charcuterie board, or just snacking away at the potluck.

“Pecans are like kitchen magic! Toss ’em in salads, sprinkle on desserts, or just snack away – those little nuts turn ordinary into extraordinary, making life a bit sweeter, one pecan at a time.”

Surprisingly, I managed to get those pecans ready in under 30 minutes, and let me tell you, they were a hit! This recipe is seriously one of the easiest, and the best part is you can spice things up with different flavors or switch out pecans for almonds or walnuts – total game-changer! So, get ready to add a dash of fun to your potluck with this simple yet delicious treat that everyone will love.

To start making candied pecans, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium-sized bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt, mixing until well-blended. Add vanilla extract and water to the sugar mixture, stirring until you achieve a thick but pourable coating consistency. Toss pecan halves into the sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, remembering to stir halfway through to prevent burning. Keep a close eye on them during the baking process. Allow the candied pecans to cool on the baking sheet, as they will continue to harden as they cool. Once cooled, break apart any clusters of pecans for a delightful and crunchy treat.

Ingredients:

• 6 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tbsp water
• 2 cups (6oz) pecan halves

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Coating Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix them well until evenly combined.
3. Add Vanilla and Water: Add the vanilla extract and water to the sugar mixture. Stir until you have a thick, but pourable, coating consistency.
4. Coat Pecans: Add the pecan halves to the sugar mixture and toss until all the pecans are well coated.
5. Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake in the Oven: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
7. Cooling Time: Allow the candied pecans to cool on the baking sheet. They will continue to harden as they cool.
8. Break Apart: Once cooled, break apart any clusters of pecans.
9. Enjoy: Serve these delightful candied pecans as a snack, on salads, or as a tasty topping for desserts.

History

The history of candied pecans can be traced back to the United States, where pecans are native to the southern regions. Pecans, with their sweet and rich flavor, became a popular ingredient in Southern cuisine.

Candying nuts, in general, has ancient roots, with historical references to honey-coated nuts in various cultures. However, the specific history of candied pecans as a distinct treat is not well-documented. The development of candied pecans likely emerged as an evolution of traditional Southern recipes that featured pecans.

Pecans themselves have a long history in the Southern United States, where Native American communities had been cultivating and consuming them for centuries before the arrival of Europeans. The name “pecan” is of Algonquian origin, and Native American tribes used pecans in their culinary practices.

As European settlers established themselves in the South, they adopted and adapted Native American culinary practices, incorporating pecans into various dishes. Over time, creative cooks likely experimented with candying pecans, discovering that the combination of the nut’s natural richness and sweetness with a sugary coating created a delicious and addictive treat.

Candied pecans gained popularity as a snack, dessert topping, and ingredient in salads and other dishes. The simple yet delightful preparation process contributed to their widespread appeal, and today, candied pecans are enjoyed not only in the Southern United States but throughout the country and beyond. They have become a staple at events like potlucks, holiday gatherings, and as a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.