Sweet & Spicy Holiday Pecans
These Sweet & Spicy Holiday Pecans are the ultimate treat for those craving a deliciously addictive snack. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and just the right amount of heat, these pecans are versatile for any occasion. Serve them as a tantalizing appetizer on Ritz crackers topped with whipped cream cheese, sprinkle them over salads for a delightful crunch, or incorporate them into sweet potato dishes for an elevated twist. They also make a thoughtful hostess gift during the festive season! Prepare a double batch ahead of Thanksgiving and store them in your freezer to ensure you always have a tasty treat on hand for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Customize the spice level to suit your taste—these pecans can be mild or pack a little more kick according to your preference. This cherished recipe comes from my sister and is originally inspired by Bon Appetit.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil cooking spray
to taste (for greasing the baking sheet)
Light corn syrup
3 tablespoons (none)
Sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (generous)
Cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Pecan pieces (or halves)
1 1/2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with non-stick vegetable oil cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the light corn syrup, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
3
Add the pecan pieces to the bowl and gently stir to coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
4
Transfer the coated pecans onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer.
5
Place a large piece of foil on a clean work surface and set it aside.
6
Bake the pecans in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove the baking sheet and use a fork to stir the pecans, ensuring they are evenly coated with the melted sugar mixture.
7
Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue to bake for another 10 minutes, or until the pecans are golden brown and the coating is bubbling.
8
Once done, quickly transfer the pecans onto the piece of foil and use a fork to separate them while they are still warm.
9
Allow the pecans to cool completely at room temperature before serving or storing in an airtight container.
10
These pecans can be made up to 3 days in advance and should be stored airtight at room temperature.
11
For longer storage, you can freeze them in ziplock bags.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet & Spicy Holiday Pecans?
They are a deliciously addictive snack featuring a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, ideal for holiday gatherings.
What is the flavor profile of this pecan recipe?
These pecans offer a hint of sweetness combined with just the right amount of spicy kick from cayenne and black pepper.
How can I serve these pecans as an appetizer?
A popular way to serve them is on Ritz crackers topped with whipped cream cheese.
Can these pecans be used as a salad topping?
Yes, they are excellent for adding a delightful crunch and flavor boost to various salads.
Are these pecans suitable for sweet potato dishes?
Absolutely, they can be incorporated into sweet potato dishes for an elevated culinary twist.
Can I give these pecans as a gift?
Yes, they make a very thoughtful and tasty hostess gift during the festive holiday season.
Can I make a double batch of these pecans?
Yes, it is recommended to prepare a double batch ahead of Thanksgiving to have plenty for Christmas and New Year’s.
Can I customize the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to make them mild or pack more heat according to your preference.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe comes from the creator's sister and was originally inspired by Bon Appetit.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) for baking these pecans.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Spray the baking sheet with non-stick vegetable oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
What ingredients are in the spice mixture?
The mixture consists of light corn syrup, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Can I use pecan halves instead of pieces?
Yes, the recipe works perfectly with either pecan pieces or pecan halves.
How do I coat the pecans?
Stir the pecans into the syrup and spice mixture in a large bowl until they are evenly coated.
How long do the pecans bake initially?
The pecans bake for an initial period of 5 minutes before being stirred.
Why do I need to stir the pecans after 5 minutes of baking?
Stirring ensures that the pecans are evenly coated with the melted sugar mixture as they cook.
What is the second baking duration?
After stirring, return the pecans to the oven for another 10 minutes.
How do I know when the pecans are done?
They are finished when they appear golden brown and the sugar coating is bubbling.
What should I do immediately after baking?
Quickly transfer the pecans onto a piece of foil and use a fork to separate them while they are still warm.
How long should the pecans cool?
Allow them to cool completely at room temperature before you serve or store them.
How long can I store these pecans at room temperature?
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can Sweet & Spicy Holiday Pecans be frozen?
Yes, for longer storage, you can freeze them in ziplock bags.
What type of corn syrup should I use?
This recipe specifically calls for light corn syrup.
How much sugar is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar.
Is the black pepper measurement specific?
The recipe suggests a generous 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
How many pecans does this recipe use?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of pecan pieces or halves.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is an easy recipe that involves simple mixing and a short baking time.
What holidays are these pecans best for?
They are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve celebrations.
Why is foil used in the process?
Foil provides a clean surface to separate and cool the pecans once they are removed from the hot baking sheet.
Do I need any special tools for this recipe?
You only need a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet, a fork, and some foil.