Spiced Pecans make for a delicious snack, crunchy topping, and, for those of you who are already planning, an awesome holiday gift!
If you’re wondering what happiness tastes like – this is it!!!!!
Oh mannnnn, spiced pecans take life to a whole new level.
Yep, I said life. Maybe it’s a little dramatic for some, but unless you’ve tried them – you don’t know what you’re missing!
What makes them the perfect snack? Topping? Gift? They’re:
- crunchy
- sweet
- spicy
- nutty
- healthy
- savory
- simple
- pretty
They’re ideal for:
- cocktail parties
- gift giving
- topping for cakes, ice cream, French toast, pancakes, crostini (<—-stay tuned for that little surprise…see you Friday 😉 )
Here’s the thing – it’s really simple to buy nuts, maybe we grab a tin of mixed nuts, throw them in a few holiday bowls and scatter ’em about the room when we’re entertaining. We’ve all done it. It’s fine. But if we can take an extra 10 minutes to let our guests know how we really feel about them, why wouldn’t we?
The time it takes to combine a few spices with a little butter and some gorgeous pecans to create the perfect crunchy bite….
…is well-worth the special feeling our guests will experience when they’ve been treated to something homemade.
So worth it.
Buon Appetito!
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Spiced Pecans
- Category: Snacks & Appetizers
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. pecan halves
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2 1/2 – 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. water
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment. Set aside.
- Place nuts in a 10″ cast-iron skillet set over medium heat. Stir.
- While stirring, cook for 3 – 4 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the butter and stir until it melts.
- Add the cayenne pepper, cinnamon and salt. Stir to combine.
- Once combined, add the brown sugar and water and cook until mixture thickens and coats the pecans, about 2 – 3 minutes.
- Deliver nuts to the parchment lined sheet pan.
- Separate the pecans and cool completely before transferring to an airtight storage container.
- Serve at room temperature.
CIAO!
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I would be the guest standing next to this bowl of spiced pecans eating one right after the other. These are snack time, cocktail time, any time perfect!! Take care.
You and me, both! They are so addicting! Have a beautiful weekend, my friend! 🙂
I bet your house smelled delicious when you made these, Annie! I would eat the whole thing – I have a nut problem – I can’t stop eating them and these would be heavenly!
Oh you’re so right! The house smelled wonderful! Perfect for that holiday feel! 😉
I’m not into spicy can it just be eliminated or add a little more cinamon? Also would walnuts work too?
Yes to both! 🙂 Thanks for your question!
I would be afraid to have these in the house because I would eat them all.
Speaking from experience…you will! 😉
oh man, how good these pecans look! love the spices!
Love the crunch of these babies! Thanks, Manali!
These look so delicious! I can’t wait to see the recipe you are using them in. I’ll be back on Friday to check it out. In the meanwhile….time to get snacking on some spiced nuts!
This is a snack-time I can get behind! Thanks, my friend! See you Friday!
You are reminding me that it’s been way too long since I’ve made spiced nuts! These pecans are just calling my name. I would have absolutely no willpower around them…looks delicious!
Thanks, Gayle! Yep, willpower’s out the door!
These look like the BEST snack!! Especially with a nice cold beer or cider 🙂
Oh yeahhh, that sounds like a treat! 🙂
I’m addicted to caramelized pecans so I can only imagine how much I would enjoy these! I would have a hard time gifting them before I eat them all!
They start out sweet on your tongue and end with a little spice! I think you’d love them, too! 🙂
Mmmm…I don’t think that I have ever had spiced pecans before, time to try! Would totally pair them with a Marzen which will echo the cinnamon.
I just love the sounds of that…’echo the cinnamon’…wonderful! Thank you, my friend!
I so agree with you on giving our guests the best experience ever, treating them with homemade food, yes, even spiced nuts!! Pinned, we are going to make them for sure!
Nothing better! I just read about your lovely collaborative dinner while in Rome! Incredible, my friend! 🙂
YASSSSSS! Spiced nuts are just too good. I like to plant myself next to a bowl and make that my dinner :). Printing this out to add to my ever-growing list of Christmas cookie tray recipes!
Oh – that is music to my ears, girlfriend!…”Christmas cookie tray!” Yasssssssss! 🙂
Thinking of topping my plain oatmeal with this. What do you think?
I think that’s a perfect use for these sweet and spicy beauties! I like the way you think, Robin! 🙂
I love everything about these! For all the reasons you described 🙂 They would make great holiday or hostess gifts, packed up in jars, wouldn’t they?! Great for snacking or to use with fall baking, too.
Yes! So adorable packed up in jars! If I can keep them in the house long enough to share! 😉 Thanks, Jennifer!
My favorite little treat for the holiday season Annie! And pecans are my favorite nut ever! I’d have a hard time sharing these. Have an awesome week!
Pecans are fabulous! And they can be dressed up in so many ways! Thanks, Mary Ann! Have an awesome week, my friend!
Oh gosh, you said “plan for the holidays” and I cringed a little bit. Are we already there!? I should probably start now because I’m always procrastinating and end up doing everything at the last minute.. which is stressful. Maybe I should just make a few vats of these nuts and eat my feelings?? 😉 I LOVE me some spiced nuts and these look PERFECT!! Cheers, doll!
I know, I know, I know…it’s just for planning purposes! I promise! 😉 Spiced nuts just might be my new favorite nibble! Thanks, Chey!
True story – these would be dangerous around me. I would have little self control, lol. I love spiced nuts and always reach for them, especially when I’m a tad hungry and need a little something. You’re right – they would make an awesome gift. Can’t believe I’m thinking about the holidays….oh, yes, I can 😉 Can’t wait to see what you bring us Friday! XOXO
Hahah! I believe your story because it’s my story too! These are dangerous to be around – they should come with a warning! Sorry about the holiday reference… but it’s never too early to accumulate good ideas, right? 😉 Have a great week, sweets! XOXO
Wow!! Spiced caramelized pecans!! Yummy! I love the gorgeous color they have taken after caramelizing!! This is such a great fall snack recipe!
Perfect little snack for so many occasions! Thanks, Deepika!
🙂