Sugared Pecans

 To properly execute this recipe, you need a little patience, and a firm confidence that the plain white table sugar in your pan will actually melt and become caramel when it reaches 366.8 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Martha’s Sugared Pecans

½ cup white table sugar

2 cups pecans (You may substitute slivered almonds, walnut halves, or other nuts, as desired)

A pinch of kosher salt

Consider one of the following options:

pinch cinnamon

pinch cloves

generous pinch cayenne

Line a cooling rack with foil or parchment paper and set aside.

Heat sugar, nuts and spices in heavy medium skillet over medium heat.  (Any skillet will work, but you are making caramel, which is notoriously rough on nonstick pans.  Stainless steel is preferable only for the sake of your pan.)  Stir occasionally with wooden spoon.  Do not add water.  After several minutes, the sugar will begin to look sticky.

Continue to stir.  After several more minutes, the sugar will begin to melt.  Continue to stir gently.

When sugar is completely melted, empty contents of skillet into thin layer onto prepared rack.

Let cool and break into pieces.  Store in cookie tin or glass jar with tightly fitting lid.

(Note:  if the sugar does not seem to be melting after about five minutes, your stove may not be hot enough.  Increase the heat to medium and continue as directed.  Monitor very carefully.)

Costco Spicy Mixed Nuts

 From Costco Connection September 2022 (Recipe courtesy of Randy Altig)

Spicy Mixed Nuts

3 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 Tbsp brown sugar

1 Tbsp dried rosemary

1/2 Tbsp dried tarragon

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1 1/2 tsp salt, plus more for sprinkling

3 ups Kirkland Unsalted Mixed Nuts

Prehear oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Melt butter and brown sugar in a 2 cup heatproof glass measuring cup in the microwave and stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the rosemary, tarragon. cayenne pepper and salt.

Put the nuts in a large bowl and gently pour in the melted butter mixture as you toss the nuts, making sure to coat all the nuts. Spread out the nuts on the lined cookie sheet and bake until the become glazed, about 20 minutes, stirring oce during the cooking process. Remove from oven and sprinkle with extra salt. 

Makes 3 cups.