Cinnamon-Sugar Pecans—the stuff that dreams, Renaissance Faires and Roquefort-Pear Salad are made out of (please, try that salad–it’s absolutely divine, no matter what pantheon you worship). Lucky for you, and your post-Renaissance Faire budget, they are very easy to make. They’re also a tasty gift, a nice touch to add to salads and sweet casseroles, and an easy, appetizing dish to include in your upcoming holiday parties from Samhain to Imbolc. Really, you can’t lose.
Cinnamon-Sugar Pecans (or any nuts)
1 pound pecans*
1 egg white, whipped till frothy
1 c. sugar, white
1 to 2 tsp. cinnamon
generous sprinkle sea salt
Directions
1. Set your oven to 200. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.
2. In a large bowl, whip the egg white until frothy. Add the pecans, toss to coat.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon and salt.
4. Add the sugar mixture to the egg whites and pecans. Toss until thoroughly coated. Spread evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for at least an hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven when the pecans are very fragrant and the sugar shell is hard.
* You can definitely size this recipe for whatever amount you need. I’ve quartered it, halved it, etc. and it’s always turned out great. Just remove the amount of egg white or add an egg white per pound.
*Also, you can apply it to different nuts, but be aware that because of varying fat content some nuts (like cashews) might burn easier, so check more often.
Enjoy! I know that I’ll be giving these to friends as gifts around Yule and Christmas and adding them to any dish that I can possibly get away with!