Smoked Pecans and other nutty treats.

This summer while on a road trip to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, we drove through eastern Texas, land of pecan orchards. Of course we stopped at a roadside stand to sample their wares. That was when I discovered smoked pecans and knew I had to try to reproduce them. They are not actually smoked but instead coated with a smokey, salty combination of herbs and spices.

Here's the recipe I created.

Laurie's smoked pecans.
Ingredients
8 cups pecans
1/4 cup melted butter*
3 tsp. salt
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic granules
1 tsp Chipotle pepper powder

* You can replace the butter with olive oil.

1) Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2) In a small bowl mix the salt and spices together.
3) Melt 1/4 cup butter.
4) Pour the melted butter over the pecans to coat them well.
5) Sprinkle the spice mixture and toss to coat again.

6) Spread evenly onto the prepared baking sheets.

7) Bake for 30 minutes, stirring once.
8) Allow to cool before storing.

I made up two other savory nut recipes, the directions are the same as above.
Nuts make great gifts, holiday appetizers or snacks for TV time on the family couch ;-)

Laurie's Curried Nuts

Ingredients.

3 cups almonds
2 cups pecans
2 tablespoons melted ghee *
4 teaspoons curry powder
3 teaspoon salt

* You can use melted butter or olive oil instead.

Follow steps 1-8.


Laurie's Roasted Nuts with Herbs

3 cups almonds
2 cups pecans
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried rosemary,
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon ancho chili powder or cayenne*
1 teaspoon salt

* If substituting cayenne use 1/2 teaspoon unless you want them hot.

Follow steps 1-8.