Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than sugared pecans made in a skillet. These crunchy and caramelized nuts are a perfect treat to enjoy on their own or to add to salads, desserts, or even as a topping for ice cream. In just a few simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering snack that will impress your friends and family.
First, gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. You’ll need fresh pecan halves, granulated sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt. Make sure the pecans are free from any shells or debris and have been thoroughly washed and dried. It’s important to have everything prepared and within reach, as things move quickly once you start cooking.
To begin, heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s completely melted. Then, add the pecans to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly in the melted butter. Allow the pecans to cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to become fragrant and slightly toasted.
Next, sprinkle the sugar over the pecans and continue stirring to ensure that all the nuts are evenly coated. The sugar will begin to melt and caramelize, creating a wonderful crunchy and sweet coating on the pecans. Be careful not to let the sugar burn – keep a close eye on the skillet and continue stirring to prevent any sticking or burning.
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the sugared pecans to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a cooling rack to cool completely. As they cool, the sugar coating will harden and the pecans will become even crunchier. Once cooled, you can store the sugared pecans in an airtight container for up to two weeks – that is, if they last that long!
There you have it – a simple and delicious recipe for making sugared pecans in a skillet. These irresistible treats make for a perfect snack or a wonderful addition to your favorite dishes. Whether you enjoy them on their own or incorporate them into your culinary creations, these sugared pecans are sure to please your taste buds. So grab a skillet and get cooking!
Prepare the Pecans
Before you begin cooking the sugared pecans, you’ll need to prepare the pecans themselves. Follow these steps to ensure your nuts are ready to be coated with the delicious sugar mixture.
Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
| – 2 cups of pecan halves |
| – 1/2 cup of granulated sugar |
| – 1/4 teaspoon of salt |
| – 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon |
| – 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract |
| – 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter |
Toast the Pecans
Before coating the pecans in the sugary goodness, it’s essential to toast them. Preheat your skillet over medium-low heat, then add the pecans. Toast them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and slightly browned.
Prepare the Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
Now it’s time to combine the dry ingredients with the butter mixture. Pour the toasted pecans into the bowl with the butter and vanilla extract, then sprinkle the sugar mixture over them. Toss well to ensure the pecans are fully coated.
Your pecans are now ready to be cooked in the skillet with the sugary coating. Follow the remaining steps of the recipe to create a batch of delicious sugared pecans that will surely be a hit!
Gather the Ingredients
To make delicious sugared pecans in a skillet, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Pecans
You will need 2 cups of whole pecans for this recipe. Make sure to select high-quality pecans that are fresh and free of any rancid or stale odors.
2. Granulated Sugar
You will need 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten the pecans and create that irresistible sugary coating. This recipe calls for regular white granulated sugar, but you can also use brown sugar for a richer flavor.
3. Butter
You will need 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to help caramelize the sugar and coat the pecans. Butter adds a rich and creamy taste to the sugared pecans.
4. Salt
A pinch of salt is optional, but it helps to enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness of the pecans. Use just a small amount to bring out the best taste.
5. Optional Flavors
If you want to add a touch of extra flavor to your sugared pecans, you can also include 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. These optional ingredients will give your pecans a warm and aromatic taste.
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, you are ready to start making your delicious sugared pecans in a skillet!
Heat the Skillet
Before you begin making sugared pecans in a skillet, you’ll need to warm the skillet over medium heat. Preheating the skillet will help ensure that the pecans cook evenly and develop a nice crunchy texture.
Place the skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Allow the skillet to warm up for a few minutes before adding any ingredients. This will give the skillet enough time to reach the desired temperature.
Once the skillet is heated, you’re ready to move on to the next step in the recipe.
Cook the Pecans
Once the oven has preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the pecans evenly on it.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the pecans for about 10 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly toasted.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the sugar, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Add the toasted pecans to the skillet and stir to evenly coat them with the sugar mixture.
Continue to cook the pecans in the skillet for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the pecans cool in the skillet for a few minutes.
Transfer the pecans to a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer to cool completely.
Once cooled, the sugared pecans are ready to be enjoyed as a snack or used as a delicious topping for salads, desserts, or other dishes.
Add the Sugar Coating
Once the pecans are toasted to perfection, it’s time to add the delightful sugar coating. In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.
Transfer the toasted pecans to the bowl with the sugar coating mixture. Gently toss the pecans in the mixture, making sure that each nut is evenly coated with the sweet and aromatic sugar blend.
Next, return the skillet to medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt completely before adding the pecans back in. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir the pecans continuously for about 2-3 minutes, until the sugar coating begins to caramelize and cling to the nuts.
Be careful not to let the sugar burn or overcook, as it can quickly become bitter. Keep a close eye on the pecans and continue stirring until the desired level of caramelization is achieved. The pecans should be evenly coated and have a glossy, golden sheen.
Once the sugar coating is perfectly caramelized, remove the skillet from heat and carefully transfer the sugared pecans to a lined baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer to cool and harden.
Allow the sugared pecans to cool completely before serving or storing. They can be enjoyed as a standalone snack, added to salads for an added crunch, or used as a topping for desserts like ice cream or cakes. The possibilities are endless!
Serve and Enjoy
Once the sugared pecans are cool, they are ready to be enjoyed. These delicious treats are perfect for snacking on their own, or you can use them as a topping for salads, desserts, or even as a garnish for roasted meats.
To serve the sugared pecans, place them in a bowl or on a platter. You can also package them in mason jars or small bags to give as gifts or party favors. The sweet and crunchy texture of the pecans will make them a hit with anyone who tries them.
If you’d like to get a little creative, you can also incorporate the sugared pecans into your favorite recipes. Try adding them to oatmeal or yogurt for a flavorful and satisfying breakfast. You can also chop them up and mix them into cookie or brownie batter for an extra special treat.
Pairing Suggestions
When serving the sugared pecans, consider pairing them with different ingredients to enhance their flavors. For a savory option, pair the pecans with some sharp cheddar cheese and a glass of red wine. The rich and nutty flavor of the pecans will complement the cheese and wine perfectly.
For a sweeter pairing, serve the pecans with some fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of the crunchy pecans, juicy berries, and creamy whipped cream will create a delightful dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
Tips for Storage
If you have any leftover sugared pecans, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing, as any residual heat can cause them to become sticky or lose their crunchiness.
Alternatively, you can store the sugared pecans in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Just keep in mind that refrigeration may cause the sugar coating to become slightly damp, so you may need to let them come to room temperature before serving again.
Now that you know how to make sugared pecans in a skillet, you can enjoy this delicious treat anytime. Whether you’re serving them as a party snack, incorporating them into recipes, or giving them as gifts, these sugared pecans are sure to impress. So go ahead, make a batch, and savor every sweet and crunchy bite!
Note: For the complete recipe and cooking instructions, please refer to the main article.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make sugared pecans in a skillet?
To make sugared pecans in a skillet, you will need pecan halves, granulated sugar, butter, and salt.
Can I use unsalted butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter for this recipe. However, if you use unsalted butter, you may want to add a little extra salt to enhance the flavor.
How do I know when the pecans are done cooking?
You will know the pecans are done cooking when they are fragrant and have a golden brown color. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can burn easily.
