Spicy Pecans
Spicy Pecans are a deliciously crunchy snack featuring a harmonious blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Perfect for parties, gift-giving, or a flavorful treat, these coated pecans offer a sweet and spicy kick that appeals to snack lovers and spice enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the white sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice in a deep Dutch oven or large pan.
- Cook the mixture until soft and boiling at 232°F (approximately 5-7 minutes).
- Add the pecans and stir until they are coated evenly with the spice mixture.
- Spread the coated pecans on a baking sheet or surface and separate them with a fork.
- Allow to cool completely before storing in a tin box.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture. If you're out of cloves or allspice, you can substitute with a pinch of cardamom or simply increase the cinnamon. Keep an eye on the sugar mixture as it cooks; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly. This recipe is also great for making a larger batch for gifts.
Serving Suggestions
These Spicy Pecans make a fantastic snack on their own or can be used as a topping for salads or desserts. They pair beautifully with a cheese platter and can add a delightful crunch to dishes like Han'S Sauerbraten. For a festive touch, serve them in a decorative bowl at parties or as part of a gift basket.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a zip-top bag for up to three months. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Pecans contains roughly 362 calories, with 4g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 887mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the nut you choose, so monitor them closely to avoid burning.
How do I make these less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back the sugar by up to half a cup and increase the spices slightly for more flavor. Additionally, you could add a touch of savory seasoning like smoked paprika to balance the sweetness.
What can I do if the pecans aren't coating well?
If the pecans are not evenly coated, ensure that your sugar mixture is hot enough when you add them. Stir vigorously to coat them thoroughly, and consider adding a tablespoon of oil or melted butter to help the spices adhere better.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).