Sweet and Crunchy Candied Pecans Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole pecans
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
- 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons water (preferably filtered or distilled)
Utensils and Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Start by laying out a large piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet. This will be used to spread the candied pecans to cool.
- Making the Caramel Mixture:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and water.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently but constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- As the heat rises, the sugar will start to melt, creating a smooth, caramel-like mixture. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Coating the Pecans:
- Once the sugar mixture is completely melted and starts to bubble slightly, add the pecans.
- Stir the pecans into the mixture, ensuring each pecan is fully coated with the caramel sauce. The aroma of caramelizing sugar and cinnamon will be quite enticing.
- Continue cooking and stirring for about two minutes. The pecans should get a shiny, glazed appearance.
- Cooling the Pecans:
- Carefully transfer the coated pecans from the saucepan to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread them out into a single layer, separating them as much as possible. This prevents them from sticking together as they cool.
- Allow the pecans to cool at room temperature. The coating will harden as it cools, creating a delightful crunch.
- Serving or Storing:
- Once cooled, the candied pecans can be served immediately as a snack or used as a topping for salads, desserts, or even breakfast bowls.
- If storing, keep them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for about a week at room temperature.
Chef’s Note:
- The key to perfect candied pecans is the balance of sweetness and a hint of salt, combined with the unmistakable warmth of cinnamon.
- Watch the pecans closely while cooking, as the sugar can go from caramelized to burnt quickly.
- Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or vanilla for different flavor profiles.
Enjoy crafting these Sweet and Crunchy Candied Pecans, an irresistible treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to munch on!