Best 2 Spiced Caramelized Pecans Recipes

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the most delightful spiced caramelized pecans! Embark on a culinary journey as we explore the secrets behind creating these irresistible treats. With a blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, these caramelized pecans are the perfect combination of crunchy and chewy. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your kitchen adventures, this article will guide you through the process of crafting these delectable treats. Get ready to uncover the magic behind creating the perfect spiced caramelized pecans, sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

SPICED CARAMELIZED PECANS

Spiced Caramelized Pecans image

Provided by Food Network

Categories appetizer

Yield 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

3 cups peanut oil
2 cups pecan halves
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar

Steps:

In a deep-fryer or a deep pot, heat the oil to 350 degrees. (A deep-frying thermometer can be clipped to the side of the pan so that you can tell when the proper temperature has been reached).
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add the pecans and boil for 2 minutes. Drain in a large strainer, shaking off all excess water. Sprinkle the salt and cayenne pepper over the nuts and then coat with the confectioners' sugar, a little at a time, allowing the sugar to melt into the pecans. Toss the nuts by shaking the strainer, adding a little more sugar each time, until all the sugar is used and all the nuts are coated. Do not use hands or a spoon to toss. The nuts should have a glaze of sugar.
Carefully add the nuts to the heated oil, keeping the oil at 350 degrees F. Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon to a baking tray to cool.

SPINACH AND BLUE CHEESE SALAD WITH SLICED APPLES AND SPICED CARAMELIZED PECANS

Spinach and Blue Cheese Salad with Sliced Apples and Spiced Caramelized Pecans image

Provided by Food Network

Categories appetizer

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

Ingredients

1 apple, chilled
1 small lemon, juiced
8 ounces spinach, washed, thoroughly dried, and stemmed
1 small head (about 3 ounces) radicchio, cut into chiffonade
5 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper
1/2 cup Spago House Dressing, recipe follows
1 1/2 cups Spiced Caramelized Pecans, recipe follows
2 large shallots, minced (1 heaping tablespoon)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons zinfandel vinegar
2 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Salt
Freshly ground white pepper
3 cups peanut oil
2 cups pecan halves
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar

Steps:

Cut the apple into quarters, remove the stem and the seeds, and cut into very thin slices. Sprinkle lemon juice over the slices and set aside.
When ready to serve, in a salad bowl, combine the apple, spinach, radicchio, and blue cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper and toss with the dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.
To serve, divide the salad among 4 plates and sprinkle the pecans around each salad.
In a small bowl, whisk together the shallots and the mustard. Whisk in the vinegars, and then the olive and vegetable oils. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to a covered container and refrigerate until needed.
Yield: 1 1/4 cups
Recipe courtesy Wolfgang Puck, "Adventures in the Kitchen", Random House, 1991
In a deep-fryer or a deep pot, heat the oil to 350 degrees F. (A deep-frying thermometer can be clipped to the side of the pan so that you can tell when the proper temperature has been reached).
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add the pecans and boil for 2 minutes. Drain in a large strainer, shaking off all excess water. Sprinkle the salt and cayenne pepper over the nuts and then coat with the confectioners' sugar, a little at a time, allowing the sugar to melt into the pecans. Toss the nuts by shaking the strainer, adding a little more sugar each time, until all the sugar is used and all the nuts are coated. Do not use hands or a spoon to toss. The nuts should have a glaze of sugar.
Carefully add the nuts to the heated oil, keeping the oil at 350 degrees F. Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon to a baking tray to cool.
Yield: 2 cups
Recipe courtesy Wolfgang Puck, "Pizza, Pasta & More!," Random House, 2000

Tips:

Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan: This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the pecans from burning.
Stir constantly: This will help to ensure that the pecans are evenly coated in the caramel and that they don't burn.
Don't overcook the pecans: They should be just starting to turn golden brown. If you overcook them, they will become dry and hard.
Use a variety of spices: This will give the pecans a more complex flavor. Some good options include cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Let the pecans cool completely before storing them: This will help to prevent them from sticking together.

Conclusion:

Spiced caramelized pecans are a delicious and versatile snack that can be enjoyed on their own or used as a topping for desserts, salads, or yogurt. They're also a great gift idea. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can easily make your own spiced caramelized pecans at home. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!