Pecans are one of those things you can make so much with. They can be sweet or savory + are equally good both ways. Read below for our favorite recipes to use these nuts this fall, or anytime!
Top 5 Pecan Recipes
Growing up in Tallahassee, I always loved going up to Thomasville and driving through the rows and rows of pecan trees. There is just something so beautiful and peaceful about the diagonal rows that captivates me every single time. It’s a slow growing tree and the “tree to table” process is a long one so I truly appreciate the Southern roots of this special nut and any recipe that celebrates it, which is why I decided to do a “Pecan Round-up” with some of my very favorite pecan recipes.
1. Pecan Bourbon Pie
Pecan pie is truly the star of the dessert table at any Southern holiday meal. I love how this pie is simultaneously gooey and crunchy. The addition of bourbon takes it up another notch. Find the recipe here.
2. Southern Pralines
Arguably the most Southern of candies, pecan-filled pralines are both crunchy, creamy and perfectly sweet, making them absolutely irresistible. My secret is to sprinkle the tops of the moist pralines with sea salt before they harden for a pleasant sweet and salty combination. Oh my gosh, my favorite! Find the recipe here.
3. Granny’s Caramel Pecan Turtles
My husband’s Granny is known for her Chocolate Caramel Pecan Turtles, and after trying them, I completely understand why. I have made these with her now so many times and they hold a special place in my heart. The combination of crunchy pecans, chewy caramel, and creamy chocolate is simply incredible. Find the recipe here.
4. Praline Ice Cream Topping
Praline has long been a staple dessert in the South and the caramel undertones mixed with the nutty chopped pecans is really the perfect flavor atop vanilla ice cream. This is a secret from my Mom’s own collection, she always had corn flakes on hand so it was a quick favorite in our house growing up. Find the recipe here.
5. Spiced Nuts
This is one of my favorite ways to utilize pecans. These spiced nuts are both savory and sweet, with a pinch of heat from the addition of cayenne. They also make the perfect holiday food gift. I love to just snack on them by the handful, in a beautiful dish at a holiday gathering, or use them to top my salads. Oh, and they make your house smell amazing after baking. Find the recipe here.
I hope one of these ideas sparked up a new way to use this Southern classic. Let me know your favorite ways to use pecans in the comments below!
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