Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Candied Pecans

 

CANDIED PECANS

yield: 16 SERVINGS
 
prep time: 10 MINUTES
 
cook time: 45 MINUTES
 
total time: 55 MINUTES

A ridiculously crunchy Easy Candied Pecans Recipe for a sweet and salty treat with just a hint of heat. The perfect snack, salad topper, or edible gift!

INGREDIENTS

  •  1/2 c. granulated sugar
  •  1/2 c. light brown sugar
  •  2 tsp. cinnamon
  •  1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
  •  1 tsp. kosher salt
  •  1 large egg white
  •  1 T. pure vanilla extract
  •  1 lb. pecan halves

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 300° F. Line large rimmed pan with parchment paper sheet and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, vigorously whisk egg white and vanilla until light and frothy.
  4. Add pecans to whisked egg white mixture, folding gently until pecans are completely coated.
  5. Pour sugar mixture over coated pecans and fold gently until all the mixture is adhered to the pecans.
  6. Spread coated pecans in an even layer on prepared baking pan.
  7. Bake, stirring every 15 minutes, until pecans are fragrant and evenly browned, about 45 minutes total.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool completely.


Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Lemon Poppyseed Dressing

 

LEMON POPPY SEED DRESSING

yield: 12 SERVINGS
 
prep time: 15 MINUTES
 
total time: 15 MINUTES

A quick & easy Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing with bright lemon flavor and a lightly thickened consistency. It's versatile, fresh, and delicious!

INGREDIENTS

  •  ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  •  ⅓ cup honey
  •  ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  •  1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  •  1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  •  2 teaspoons finely minced yellow onion
  •  2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  •  ½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
  •  ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Add all ingredients to a small bowl or quart jar. Then use an immersion blender to blitz until smooth. You could also use a blender or food processor. (see Notes below for not blitzing)

Winter Apple Salad

 

WINTER APPLE SALAD

yield: 8 SERVINGS
 
prep time: 25 MINUTES
 
total time: 25 MINUTES

This Winter Apple Salad features fresh apples and pomegranate arils, plus crunchy, sweet & salty candied pecans. And a bright lemon poppy seed dressing brings it altogether!

INGREDIENTS

  •  8 to 10 cups spring greens mix - or use baby spinach or torn butter lettuce
  •  1 medium/large Honeycrisp apple, cored and thinly sliced
  •  1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  •  half of a medium red onion, thinly sliced
  •  1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  •  1 cup candied pecans
  •  ½ cup pomegranate arils
  •  freshly cracked black pepper
  •  lemon poppy seed dressing

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a small bowl, toss the apple slices with the lemon juice until all slices are evenly coated. Drain away excess juice.
  2. Place half of the fresh greens in a large salad bowl. Layer half of the apple, onion, Swish cheese, candied pecans, pomegranate arils, and some black pepper over the top. Then top with the remaining fresh greens, followed by the remaining apple, onion, cheese, pecans, and pomegranate - finish with some freshly cracked black pepper.
  3. Serve with lemon poppy seed dressing on the side.