Spiced Pecans: A Festive and Flavorful Snack Recipe
Spiced pecans are the perfect sweet and savory snack for any occasion. Their warm spices and crunchy texture make them irresistible, and they're surprisingly easy to make! This recipe provides a simple guide to creating this delectable treat, perfect for holiday gatherings, movie nights, or just a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to storage tips, ensuring you achieve perfectly spiced pecans every time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring you can whip up a batch even on short notice.
- 1 cup pecan halves: Choose high-quality pecans for the best flavor and texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a caramelized coating.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the sugar to bind.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice, providing warmth and a familiar holiday flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the spice blend.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: A small amount of cloves adds a depth of flavor without being overpowering.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness.
Instructions for Perfectly Spiced Pecans:
Follow these simple steps for perfectly spiced pecans every single time!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Measure out all your ingredients to streamline the process.
Step 2: Combine and Coat
In a medium bowl, combine the pecans, sugar, butter, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Make sure all the pecans are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pecans are fragrant and lightly toasted. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pecans cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, the sugar will have fully hardened, resulting in a delightful crunch. Store your spiced pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips for Extra Delicious Spiced Pecans:
- Spice it up: Feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to create your own unique blend.
- Sweetness control: Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet pecan, reduce the sugar by a tablespoon.
- Different nuts: While pecans are classic, you can adapt this recipe to other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Adjust baking time accordingly.
- Gifting potential: Spiced pecans make a fantastic homemade gift, especially during the holidays. Package them in attractive jars or bags for a thoughtful presentation.
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