Opal Turner from Hughes Springs, Texas, shares her irresistible recipe for Candied Pecans, which have become a hit among her family and friends. These crispy pecans, coated in a delectable cinnamon-sugar glaze, make for delightful gifts during the holiday season or any special occasion. Opal’s granddaughter even received high praise from a doctor at her workplace, who deemed the pecans “too good to be true.” These candied pecans are a sweet and crunchy treat that will leave everyone asking for more.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2¾ cups pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened, divided
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
PREPARATIONS:
- Warm pecan halves in the oven at 250°F for 10 minutes. Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with 1 tablespoon of butter.
- In a large heavy saucepan, grease the sides with the remaining butter. Add sugar, water, salt, and ground cinnamon. Cook and stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, and cook for 2 minutes to dissolve the sugar crystals.
- Continue cooking, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 236°F (soft-ball stage). Remove from heat and add vanilla. Stir in the warm pecans until evenly coated.
- Spread the pecans onto the prepared baking pan and bake at 250°F for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Spread the candied pecans on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet to cool.
YIELD: About 1 pound of candied pecans
PREP TIME: 20 minutes
BAKING TIME: 40 minutes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Before using the candy thermometer, it’s recommended to test its accuracy by boiling water; it should read 212°F. Adjust your recipe temperature based on this test.
Opal Turner’s Candied Pecans from Hughes Springs, Texas, are a beloved treat that has captured the hearts and taste buds of her family and friends. These crispy and sweet pecans, coated in a delightful cinnamon-sugar glaze, make perfect gifts for any special occasion.
The recipe begins with warming the pecans in the oven, enhancing their flavor and creating a perfect canvas for the delectable glaze. In a large saucepan, a cinnamon-infused sugar syrup is prepared, creating the mouthwatering coating for the pecans. After reaching the soft-ball stage, the glaze is combined with warm pecans, ensuring an even and delicious coating.
Once coated, the pecans are spread onto a baking pan and baked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld and the glaze to set. The result is a batch of irresistibly crunchy and sweet candied pecans that are sure to impress.
Opal’s granddaughter received high praise for these delightful pecans, and it’s no wonder why. Whether shared with loved ones during the holiday season or enjoyed as a delectable treat any time of the year, these Candied Pecans are bound to become a favorite among family and friends alike.
This recipe offers a touch of warmth and sweetness that will leave everyone reaching for more, making it a treasured addition to any occasion or gathering. With just the right balance of flavors and an enticing crunch, Opal Turner’s Candied Pecans are truly too good to resist. Enjoy it!
