Who doesn’t love Candied Pecans? Have you ever bought candied pecans at the store? If you have, you already know how expensive they are. Why not make your own. So now you’re thinking, but they’re probably too hard to make. They really aren’t and all it takes is a candy thermometer and a bit of time. While you’re at it, why not make a couple of batches and give them away as gifts.
Candied Pecans
- 1 cup sugar
- Dash of salt
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups pecan halves
Directions:
Line a sheet pan with parchment and set aside. Combine the sugar, salt and water in a small high-sided non-reactive saucepan. Over medium-high heat, stir until the sugar mixture starts to boil, stop stirring and let it continue to cook unassisted. Using a candy thermometer, bring the sugar syrup to the soft ball stage (235° F).
While the sugar is cooking, place the pecans in a 12-inch skillet over low heat, enough to warm and lightly toast the pecans. Stir the nuts to keep them from over-toasting or burning. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting you can when the sugar is near the softball stage.
When the sugar has just reached the softball stage, remove it from the heat and carefully drizzle the hot sugar syrup over all the pecans, shaking the pan as you go. (Note: The sugar syrup is very hot so be careful. It also helps if you have another person assist at this stage.) Continue to shake the pan or carefully stir them with a wooden spoon until the nuts are well coated and then immediately transfer them to the prepared sheet pan. Spread them out, using two forks to separate them as much as possible. Allow them to cool. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or decorative glass jars.
Notes: As I said in the directions, it’s good to have another person help when you’re drizzling the caramelized sugar over the nuts. These candied pecans will take about 25 to 30 minutes, most of it is in the cooling. Make sure there are no distractions when you’re working with the sugar, it goes very quickly. I know, I’ve done that very thing and burned the sugar syrup because of a distraction. You can certainly use other types of nuts in place of pecans. In fact why not try lightly salted mixed nuts… yum!
These Candied Pecans are addictive. They’re great for parties, as a hostess gift, in salads or just to snack on. I did say they were addictive, didn’t I? That’s why I make a few bunches of them and then quickly give them away 😊. Whatever you choose to do, they are worth taking the few minutes it requires to make a batch or three.
Time to eat…
If you enjoyed my “Candied Pecans,” check out my Homemade Marshmallows, Homemade Graham Crackers, or these elegant Scottish Shortbread. Enjoy.
P.S. Take a moment to check out and purchase some of the tools I used for this “Candied Pecans” below. 🙂