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Homemade Candied Pecans Recipe

Are you looking for a sweet and crunchy treat to enjoy? Look no further than homemade candied pecans! These delicious nuts are perfect as a snack, a topping for salads, or as a garnish for desserts. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make. So let’s get started!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of pecan halves
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preparation Steps:

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with either parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Prepare the Sugar Mixture: In a medium-sized saucepan, mix together sugar, water, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if desired). Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Coat the Pecans: Add the pecan halves to the sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Stir the pecans for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the sugar mixture thickens and adheres to the pecans.
  4. Remove from Heat: Once the pecans are well-coated and the mixture is thick, remove the saucepan from heat.
  5. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Using a fork or slotted spoon, transfer the coated pecans to your prepared baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer.
  6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the pecans for around 10 to 15 minutes. You want them to turn golden brown and for the sugar coating to harden.
  7. Cool: After baking, let the pecans cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, they will become crunchier.
  8. Break Apart: If the pecans have clumped together, simply break them apart once they have cooled.
  9. Store: Store your homemade candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for several days.

Now that your homemade candied pecans are ready, it’s time to enjoy them! Whether you’re snacking on them or using them to enhance your favorite dishes, these sweet and crunchy pecans are sure to delight your taste buds. So go ahead and give this easy recipe a try today!