Intro:
Looking for a delightful treat that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding a touch of sweetness to your favorite dishes? These Freckled Pecans are a wonderful combination of crunchy nuts coated with a sweet and slightly spicy glaze. These pecans make a fantastic snack on their own or can be used to elevate salads, desserts, or even your morning yogurt bowl. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible Freckled Pecans!
Freckled Pecans
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pecan halves
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
– 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Add the pecan halves to the saucepan, stirring continuously to coat the nuts evenly with the spiced sugar mixture. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the pecans are fragrant.
4. Turn off the heat and quickly stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract, making sure all the pecans are well coated.
5. Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced out.
6. Bake the pecans in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through the baking time to ensure even toasting.
7. Once the pecans are golden brown and fragrant, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet.
8. After the pecans have cooled completely, break apart any clusters and transfer them to an airtight container for storage.
Enjoy these delicious Freckled Pecans as a tasty snack or use them to add flavor and crunch to your favorite dishes. They also make a lovely homemade gift for friends and family – just package them in a pretty jar or bag tied with a ribbon. Whether you munch on them straight out of the jar or incorporate them into your cooking and baking, these spiced pecans are sure to become a household favorite. Get creative with how you use them – sprinkle them over salads, oatmeal, ice cream, or even incorporate them into your holiday baking for an extra special touch. The sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors of these Freckled Pecans are sure to please your taste buds and add a touch of warmth to your home.
