Texas Pecans for Holiday Giving
Stumped for last-minute gift ideas? Look up! The answer is in the pecan trees. The first Europeans to come into contact with pecans were Spanish explorers in what is now Louisiana, Texas, and Mexico. These Spanish explorers called the pecan, nuez de la arruga, which roughly translates to “wrinkle nut”.
People Love Pecans
Pecans are good for people too. Raw pecans pack a 1-2-3 punch of protein, healthy fats, and fiber that can keep a person energized and satisfied. Pecans are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which help lower blood pressure.
So, c’mon…it’s time to lower your own blood pressure by finishing your holiday shopping list with real Texas ‘wrinkle nuts’. Send your friends and family members a big tub of pecans, a fruitcake bursting with nutty flavors, or treat them to home-made candied pecans.
Swift River Pecans right here in Fentress and Big Shakey will show you how it’s done…
Swift River can ship its award-winning Texas pecans, pecan oil, and all kinds of pecan products to the friends and family members you can’t be with in-person this year.
Want to send your folks an old-fashioned pecan treat you made yourself? If you have 5 minutes, you can make this 5-ingredient recipe!
Easy Candied Pecans
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons water
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, water, vanilla, and kosher salt, stirring to combine (don’t worry that the sugar and salt won’t all be dissolved). Set this at-the-ready, next to your stove, as this recipe goes really quickly.
- In a medium-large saucepan over medium heat, toast pecans for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. When you begin to smell a lovely, nutty aroma, they’re done.
- Quickly drizzle the sugar mixture into the pan, on top of the pecans, stirring the nuts as you drizzle. Stir constantly for about 15 seconds, until the pecans are thoroughly coated in the sugar mixture. Immediately remove from heat so they don’t burn.
- Spread the pecans on a piece of parchment to cool. Once cooled, you can break the nuts apart, if needed.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container. The pecans will be slightly sticky at first, but the coating hardens further within a few hours.
Better increase the recipe so you have enough for everyone on your list. You’ll want some too! They are great on salads and great for snacks.
Even if your family can’t be together in one place this holiday season, you can all enjoy those candied pecans simultaneously on a Zoom meeting, because we have WiFi.