Pecans always have a home here.
A staple in my pantry, pecans are the perfect canvas for a sweet and savory treat. Spiced nuts are easy to make and add a delicious crunch to salads, cheese balls, or as a curious twist to your charcuterie board.
Pecans are found in many of my recipes - their rich, sweet and buttery flavor add texture to my favorite chocolate chip cookies, and of course they make for the perfect snack on their own.
A Sweet Memory from Childhood
When I was a child and would travel with my family, we always stopped at a Stuckey's and would pick up pecan logs and bags of Georgia pecans. My mom kept the bags of pecans in the front seat with her and let us have the pecan logs as our car snack. When we returned home, Mom would freeze the pecans so she could have them on hand for her holiday edible gifts for neighbors.
Edible treats is a tradition I have carried on, and this spiced pecan recipe is one of my neighbors' favorite parts of their annual treat box. Food and the memories they evoke are precious. What are yours?
Spiced Pecans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) bag whole pecans
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg white, slightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Place pecans in large mixing bowl, stir in melted butter, spices, and egg white. Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread pecans in a single layer on parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Store in airtight jar for up to 1 month, if they last that long!
Yield: 12 servings
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
These versatile spiced pecans are perfect for so many occasions:
- Serve on a charcuterie board alongside our Cheese Board Jam Gift Set
- Add to salads for extra crunch and flavor
- Include in your Southern Entertaining Bundle for the ultimate party spread
- Give as a thoughtful homemade gift
- Enjoy with a bourbon cocktail - they pair beautifully with our Orange Bitters in an Old Fashioned
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper to taste - start with less if you prefer milder heat
- Sweet Variation: Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar for a sweeter version
- Storage: These keep well in airtight containers and make wonderful gifts
- Make Ahead: Perfect for holiday entertaining - make several batches ahead of time
- Serving Size: A little goes a long way - these are rich and satisfying
Perfect for Gift Giving
Just like my mother's tradition of giving edible gifts to neighbors, these spiced pecans make wonderful presents. Package them in mason jars with pretty ribbons, or include them in a Southern Gourmet Pantry Gift Set for a complete entertaining package.
There's something special about homemade treats that store-bought gifts simply can't match. They carry with them the time, care, and love that went into making them - just like those precious bags of Georgia pecans my mom would carefully save for her holiday baking.
Creating Your Own Food Memories
Food has this incredible ability to transport us back in time and connect us to the people we love. Every time I make these spiced pecans, I'm reminded of those family road trips, the excitement of stopping at Stuckey's, and my mother's generous spirit in sharing her treats with neighbors.
I hope this recipe helps you create your own delicious memories, whether you're entertaining friends, preparing gifts for loved ones, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a handful of these perfectly spiced nuts.