Thursday, November 12, 2009

Gluten Free Sweet and Spicy Pecans

OK, I know what you're thinking. "I came to check out this blog and all you have to offer for the Holiday Food Fest are some pecans, come on." Hold it, hold it, let me explain. Don't underestimate the need for easy snacks around the holidays. Everyone gets focused in on the big ticket items; turkey, stuffing, etc. You can't neglect the snacks. What are you supposed to munch on while all the other food is cooking? Besides, Thanksgiving is a pretty serious meal. You don't want to walk in on game day unprepared. If you start eating snacks and treats now, you may just have enough time before the big day. You wouldn't run a marathon without taking a few laps around the block ahead of time. What makes you think you can tackle a turkey day meal without a little warm up?

Here is a quick, tasty snack that can be made up to a week in advance. Just be sure to cover them up at night to keep them fresh.
Gluten Free Sweet and Spicy Pecans:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
a pinch of cayenne pepper
1 egg white
2 cups of pecan halves
Bake in a 300 degree F oven for 30 minutes Start by mixing the sugar, salt, chili powder, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
In a larger bowl, lightly beat the egg white with a fork. Toss the pecans in and mix until thoroughly coated with egg white.
Next, sprinkle the spice mixture over the pecans and generously coat them. You may have some of the spice mix left over. Place the pecans on a parchment lined or lightly greased cooking sheet. Try to separate the pecans so they don't clump together. Bake at 300 degrees F for 30 minutes.
Allow the pecans to cool for five minutes. You're all set. Let the training snacking begin. Enjoy!!!

10 comments:

  1. I never underestimate the value (or need) for easy snacks. Especially since this year we'll be visiting friends! I'll make these and take them. They look delicious. Thanks!

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  2. Thank you
    A new for us "snack" recipe to add to our list.

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  3. Are you kidding, tese are like crack and a must have for this time of year.

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  4. I wasn't thinking that. I thought, Yippee!! I love pecans like this, but have never made them. Well, not yet anyway ... now I have your great recipe! Thanks for the photos, too. Wonderful pecans like these never last long at events in my experience.

    Shirley

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  5. Thanks for this recipe. Sounds great! Would vanilla be good in this too? By the way, how is your vanilla coming along?

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  6. Oh my goodness. These look fantastic! Such a great festive treat =D.

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  7. Oh I am ALL about some snacks to have around, especially when they're pecans! This looks awesome. Definitely need to whip up a batch to keep everyone busy while I finish cooking!

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  8. Anonymous-I think a splash of vanilla would be good. As for my vanilla, I'm pretty sure it's ready. I just need to take it for a test drive:)

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  9. I tried these (not your recipe...)with agave a few weeks ago but they didn't turn out. I think it was how I handled the egg white step. I think I'll try it again (with a small amount of nuts instead of an entire pound!!) using your technique. I'd love to give them as Christmas gifts.

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  10. We thought these were amazing. Carmen "doesn't like nuts" but is now making another batch, she cleaned out our last three batches. :o)

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