This is as simple as it gets. A quick recipe that enhances and elevates the pecans to a yummy new level. Serve them as a wonderful stand-alone snack, at the bar with cocktails or my absolute favorite, with some coffee ice cream, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce, then topped with these tasty treats. Sounds like such a simple dessert and it really is. However, we all know that quite often, the simplest recipes are often the best ones. This is a classic example of how a few separate, high quality ingredients can elevate the simple to the sublime. Additionally, this makes a good amount of pecans and they store beautifully, so they’re a great go to snack or are there to create a last minute dessert. You will not be disappointed, give it a try.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups pecan halves
2 Tbs. butter, melted
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 325°F.
First, toss pecans and melted butter in medium bowl to coat. Add the salt and stir to combine. Then, spread pecans in single layer on rimmed baking sheet and bake until fragrant and slightly darkened in color, for 12-15 minutes. Stay close by because these can get overdone very quickly.
Alternatively and an even quicker method, is to melt the butter in a skillet, add the pecans and, on low to medium heat, toast the pecans for a few minutes. Once the pecans are fragrant, remove from the skillet, add the salt and toss to combine.
Finally, after cooking, cool the pecans on the baking sheet or in the skillet, if using, and then store in an airtight container.
NOTES
Do try to buy whole pecans, rather than pieces, they make a much better presentation when serving, whether with cocktails or over ice cream. Also, I have played with the salt a bit, in both amount and kind. You can do the same, however I definitely would not use regular table salt. My preference is a good, coarse, kosher salt, Diamond and Morton both make a good one that is carried in most supermarkets. A tasty upgrade is Maldon Salt, it is definitely worth it.
