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.

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 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 my neighbors favorite part of their annual treat box. Food and the memories they evoke are precious. What are yours?

INGREDIENTS

1- 12 ounce bag whole pecans

2 teaspoons unsalted butter, melted

1 egg white, slightly beaten

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons brown sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Pre heat oven to 350°F

2. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper

3. Place pecans in large mixing bowl, stir in melted butter, spices and egg whites, toss to coat. .

4. Spread pecans on parchment lined cookie sheet, bake 15 minutes, careful not to burn. Remove from oven, allow to cool.

5. Store in airtight jar for up to 1 month, if they last that long!

Serving suggestion: Serve on a charcuterie board, give as a gift, or enjoy with a Bourbon Apple Brandy Cocktail.
Yield: 12 servings