Monday, January 23, 2012

Baked Candied Pecans







Candied pecans are a tasty alternative to cookies and other treats.


Baked candied pecans are commonly sold alongside other candied nuts at many markets during Christmastime. The delicious combination of sweet and nutty flavors does well as a stand-alone snack or as decoration on cakes and cookies or ingredients in a salad. When you make your own baked candied pecans, you can take liberties and alter the recipe since pecan flavor goes well with so many other tastes. Candied pecans take minutes to prepare, but taste as if you've slaved over them for hours.


Instructions


1. Turn your oven on to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and allow it to preheat for several minutes.


2. A hint of orange juice makes for a delicious addition to this recipe.








Pour 1 cup of white sugar in the bowl. Add 1 lb. of shelled pecan halves, 1/4 cup of brandy, 1 tsp. of vanilla extract, 2 tsp. of ground cinnamon and 1/3 of cup orange juice. Stir the mixture for a few minutes to ensure all ingredients are mixed well and evenly distributed.


3. Spread the pecans onto a baking sheet. Use the wooden spoon to push them around so they form a single layer on the pan. Place the baking sheet in the oven to bake the pecans for 20 minutes.


4. White sugar gives these pecans a sweet coating.


Take the baking sheet out of the oven. Sprinkle the last cup of white sugar evenly over the top of the pecans. Stir the sugar and candied pecans until mixed well and evenly coated.


5. Allow the baked candied pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet. Remove from the sheet with a spatula, and store in an airtight container.

Tags: baking sheet, baked candied pecans, baking sheet oven, candied pecans, mixed well, mixed well evenly