Peppered Pecans

Peppered pecans, made with pecans, hot pepper sauce, butter, garlic, and salt.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups pecan halves

PREPARATION:

Preheat oven to 250°. Melt butter in a small skillet; add hot sauce, garlic and salt. Sauté for 1 minute. Toss pecans with butter mixture; spread in a single layer on baking sheet. Bake pecans for about 1 hour or until pecans are crisp, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes.
Makes 3 cups.

Rum-Glazed Spiced Pecans

This classic combination of rum and pecans is a winner. Although they taste as if they have taken hours to prepare, they only require a few minutes. Serve these with orange slices.

Spice Mix

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground allspice

Rum Glaze

2 tablespoons dark rum
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon unsalted butter

2 cups lightly toasted pecan halves

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. To make the spice mix, place the spices in a small bowl and mix to combine
3. To make the glaze, place the glaze ingredients in a medium-size saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
4. Add the pecans to the saucepan and cook until they are well coated and the pan is almost dry, about 1 minute. Spoon the spice mix over the nuts, 1 tablespoon at a time, until they are well coated.
5. Transfer the pecans to the prepared sheet, separate with your hands or a fork, and let sit until completely dried, at least 1 hour and up to overnight.

Makes 2 cups

Southwest Pecans

1 cup pecans, toasted
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon toasted & ground cumin seed
1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Pinch cayenne

Toast pecans in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. They should be slightly darker than raw and have a little crispness to them. Let cool then toss in a bowl with the remaining ingredients. Add more or less cayenne to your personal taste. Serve with drinks, as a snack or use them to garnish a salad.