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- 2 cups pecan halves - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon water For the best flavor, use high-quality pecans. Look for fresh, plump nuts. They should be crunchy and free of any rancidity. Fresh spices are key as well. Old spices lose their punch. Always check the date on your spice jars. This will ensure your sweet and spicy candied pecans shine with full flavor. You will need a medium saucepan for cooking. A baking sheet is essential for baking the pecans. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. These tools make the process smooth and fun. With the right gear, you'll whip up this treat in no time! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, salt, butter, vanilla extract, and water. - Heat the mixture over medium heat until bubbling, stirring often. This takes about 2-3 minutes. - Once it bubbles, add the pecans. Stir well to coat each pecan in the sugary mix. - Pour the coated pecans onto the baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer. - Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even caramelization. - Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. - Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the pecans cool completely on the sheet. They will harden as they cool. - After they cool, break apart any clusters and store them in an airtight container if not using immediately. Make sure to check out the Full Recipe for more details! To get the best flavor, adjust the cayenne pepper. If you like heat, add more. If you prefer mild, use less. This balance helps enhance the sweet taste without overpowering it. While baking, stir the pecans. This step ensures even cooking. You want them to caramelize nicely. Stirring also prevents burning. Keep a close eye on them, especially toward the end of baking. Serve your sweet and spicy candied pecans in a decorative bowl. This makes for an eye-catching snack. You can also sprinkle sea salt on top for a nice touch. Fresh herbs like rosemary can add a pop of color and flavor. These pecans are great toppings. Try them on salads or desserts for extra crunch. They add a delightful twist to many dishes. If your pecans burn, don't panic. You can salvage them by scraping off the burnt parts. Next time, lower the oven temperature or reduce baking time. If your candied pecans turn out too hard, soften them. Place the pecans in a bowl with a damp paper towel. Microwave in short bursts until they soften. This method helps restore some chewiness. For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_2}} You can give your sweet and spicy candied pecans a twist. Try adding different spices like nutmeg or ginger. These spices can change the flavor profile significantly. If you want more crunch, experiment with other nuts like almonds or walnuts. Each nut brings its own taste and texture, adding variety to your snack. Not everyone loves sweet snacks. You can reduce the sugar to make a less sweet version. This keeps the flavor while lowering the sweetness. If you want to switch it up, use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. These natural sweeteners add depth and richness to the pecans. If you crave something savory, try adding herbs or cheese. A sprinkle of rosemary or thyme can enhance the flavor. You can also pair the pecans with savory snacks like cheese platters or charcuterie boards. This mix of sweet and savory makes for a fun and unique treat. For the full recipe, check out the Sweet & Spicy Candied Pecans. To keep your sweet and spicy candied pecans fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps protect them from moisture and air, which can make them soft. Use a glass jar or a plastic container with a tight lid. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help maintain their crunchiness and flavor. At room temperature, these pecans can last about two weeks. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze candied pecans, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. If you want to warm up your candied pecans, the best method is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and heat them for about five minutes. This method helps keep their texture and flavor intact. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them chewy instead of crunchy. To make sweet and spicy candied pecans, follow these steps: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Combine ingredients in a medium saucepan. Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, salt, butter, vanilla extract, and water. Stir until it bubbles. 3. Add pecans to the saucepan. Stir well to coat each pecan in the sugary mix. 4. Spread pecans on the baking sheet in a single layer. 5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through. Watch them closely to avoid burning. 6. Cool completely on the baking sheet. They will harden as they cool. 7. Store in an airtight container if not eating right away. You can find pre-made sweet and spicy candied pecans at: - Specialty food stores like Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. - Online retailers like Amazon or specialty snack sites. - Local farmers' markets may sell homemade versions. Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by: - Using plant-based butter as a substitute for unsalted butter. Look for brands like Earth Balance. - Choosing vegan sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar instead of brown sugar. Sweet and spicy candied pecans pair well with: - Salads, adding a crunchy texture. - Ice cream or yogurt for a sweet topping. - Cheese boards to complement savory flavors. For the full recipe and more tips, check out the Full Recipe. This post covered how to make sweet and spicy candied pecans. We went over the ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions. You learned tips to perfect your recipe and fun variations to try. Remember to store your pecans properly to keep them fresh. Whether you want a sweet snack or a savory twist, this recipe is easy to customize. Enjoy your tasty creation and impress your friends and family!

Sweet & Spicy Candied Pecans

Indulge in the irresistible flavor of Sweet & Spicy Candied Pecans! This easy recipe combines crunchy pecans with a perfect blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a dash of cayenne for a delightful kick. Perfect for snacking, as a salad topping, or a unique gift, these candied pecans will impress everyone. Discover the full recipe and bring a sweet and spicy twist to your kitchen. Click through now to explore these delicious treats!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups pecan halves

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon water

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, salt, butter, vanilla extract, and water. Stir until the mixture is bubbling and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

      Add the pecan halves to the saucepan and stir well to coat each pecan evenly in the sugary mixture.

        Pour the coated pecans onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer.

          Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pecans are caramelized and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn!

            Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pecans cool completely; they will harden as they cool.

              Once cooled, break apart any clusters and store them in an airtight container if not using immediately.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 25 min | 4-6 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pecans in a decorative bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra touch, or use them as a topping for salads or desserts!