Christmas time in the south was always a favorite time of the year. Families gather together and the cooking begins. I miss those days with the smell of turkey roasting in the oven, the aroma of all the wonderful pies, and all the side dishes that were being made and placed on the table. All waiting for us to dig in.
One of my favorite things was my grandmother’s candied pecans. Those were the best. But those times have passed by and all that remains are the memories of some of the happiest years of my life. A new generation now makes new memories of their own but in the back of my mind, I still remember the wonderful women gathered in the kitchen, telling stories and making a meal that would be enjoyed by everyone that stopped by.
I hope you have memories of your own as new ones are being made. While I am not posting grandma’s candied pecan recipe I am posting another one that was often made, Crunchy Comfort Pecan. A treat from the south.
Happy Holidays and enjoy.
DK
2 cup pecan halves
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup Southern Comfort
1 tsp. orange juice
1 tsp. vanilla
Pinch cinnamon
Dash nutmeg
4 tbsp. brown sugar
Combine Southern Comfort, orange juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Spread pecans in a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle with salt. Pour liquid mixture over pecans, stirring until all are moistened.
Marinate for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle with 1/2 of the brown sugar.
Stir until all are coated and bake at 275 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Stirring every 10 minutes, add remaining brown sugar.
Bake another 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
Test for doneness by cooling and tasting a few nuts. They should be crunchy, not chewy.
Cool on wax paper separating with a fork as they cool.
NOTE: Toward the end of cooking, watch them carefully, they will scorch if overcooked.
