Your New Obsession: Spicy Candied Pecans!

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Candied pecans are one of those delightful snacks that are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re entertaining guests, adding a crunchy topping to a salad, or simply enjoying a sweet treat by yourself. This particular recipe holds a special place in my heart because it comes from an old recipe card my sister wrote when she was just ten years old back in 2000. It’s a charming reminder of her early culinary adventures – even back then she hated writing instructions, as you can see from the card below. She still went on to become a Red Seal Chef, though. I have had occasion to work with her in a professional setting a few times over the years and even without instructions she’s terrifyingly efficient in the kitchen.

A Flavorful Twist

What makes these candied pecans unique is the blend of spices that my sister thoughtfully added. The combination of ground cumin, coriander, cayenne, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a savory-sweet profile that elevates the traditional candied pecan. It’s this delightful mix of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious candied pecans:

• 3 cups pecan halves: Fresh and ideally toasted for enhanced flavor.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that irresistible crunch.
• 2 egg whites: Acts as a binding agent, allowing the sugar and spices to adhere to the nuts.
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Adds a hint of citrus and warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: For a subtle kick (feel free to adjust to your spice preference).
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Contributes a sweet and spicy note.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Brings a rich, aromatic flavor.

Additional Cayenne for Topping

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: This is sprinkled on top after cooking to enhance the heat and flavor.

Preparing Candied Pecans

You can make these candied pecans either in the oven or on the stovetop. While both methods yield delicious results, I prefer the stovetop method as it allows for better control over the coating process. Let’s dive into how to prepare these delightful snacks!

Method 1: Stovetop Preparation

1st Step: Gather Your Ingredients

Begin by measuring out all your ingredients. This preparation step not only makes the cooking process smoother but also ensures you won’t miss any key components of the recipe.

2nd Step: Whip the Egg Whites with the Sugar

1. Whip the Egg Whites
   In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk or electric mixer to beat the egg whites together with the sugar until they form a smooth foam. This step is essential as the whipped egg whites will help the sugar and spices stick to the pecans.

3rd Step: Spice it Up!

2. Mix in and Spices
   Add in the ground cumin, coriander, cayenne, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to the egg whites. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout.

4th Step: Coat the Pecans

3. Coat the Pecans
   Add the pecan halves to the bowl with the spiced egg whites. Gently fold the nuts into the egg whites until they are well coated.

5th Step: Cook on the Stovetop

4. Heat the Pan
   Place a large skillet over medium heat and allow it to warm up for a minute or two.
5. Add the Pecans
   Once the pan is heated, add the coated pecans to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking. The sugar will begin to caramelize and coat the pecans, creating that signature crunchy texture.
6. Check for Doneness
   Keep an eye on the pecans; they should turn a lovely golden brown. Once they are evenly coated and caramelized, remove them from the heat.

6th Step: Season and Cool

7. Add Extra Cayenne
   Sprinkle the additional 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper over the warm pecans. This will give them a final kick of heat.
8. Cool the Pecans
   Transfer the pecans to a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely. As they cool, they will harden and become even crunchier.

Method 2: Oven Preparation

If you prefer to use the oven, here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Pecan Mixture: Follow Steps 1-4 from the stovetop method to coat the pecans.
3. Spread on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coated pecans in a single layer.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning. Keep a close eye on them to achieve a golden brown color.
5. Season and Cool: After baking, remove from the oven, sprinkle with cayenne, and let cool as outlined in Step 8 above.

Serving Suggestions

These candied pecans are incredibly versatile! Here are some fun ways to enjoy them:

• As a Snack: Perfect for munching on their own, these nuts are great for parties or movie nights.
• With Breakfast: They’re an incredible addition to our Eggnog French Toast recipe, as seen above!
• On Salads: Add a sweet and spicy crunch to your favorite salad—try them on a spinach salad with feta and cranberries.
• With Cheese: Pair them with a cheese platter for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• In Desserts: Use them to top cakes, cupcakes, or even ice cream for a flavorful finishing touch.

Storing Your Candied Pecans

To keep your candied pecans fresh and crunchy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last for up to two weeks—if you can resist eating them all before then! If you want to store them for longer, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a month.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Making this recipe not only brings back memories of my childhood but also reminds me of the joy of cooking together – though mostly as adults; I was a terrible 13-year-old. It’s a lovely tradition to pass down recipes and create new memories while revisiting old ones. As you whip up these candied pecans, take a moment to think about your own culinary adventures and the flavors that have shaped your family gatherings.

Wrap Up

These candied pecans, taken directly from my sister’s recipe from back when Tamagotchis were all the rage, are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you make them on the stovetop or in the oven, they are sure to be a hit at your next gathering—or just as a special treat for yourself. I worked with my sister at a golf course for a while where we had these as toppings for one of the salads and they had to be hidden from me or I would graze through huge portions of our stock over the course of a shift! Go ahead and shift the spice ratios to your preference, but I guarantee you’re going to love these little devils.

Much Love

Sidney and Thomas