Saturday Blog Showcase ~ Candied Pecans

This week's Saturday Blog Showcase is hosted by Lori at All that Splatters.  She and Ann at Thibeault's Table take turns hosting this lovely event where we tell you about wonderful recipes we've found on other blogs.  The recipe I've chosen is David Lebovitz' Spiced Nuts and Pretzel Mix.  If this sounds familiar it's because I have already posted this addictive snack mix but now have changed David's recipe a little bit to suit my own taste.  I hope you like it.

David's recipe calls for a mix of ingredients:  a variety of nuts and pretzels roasted in a "knock your socks off" combination of sugar and spice.  I made this recipe several times during the holiday season, and every time I made it I found myself searching through the mix for the pecans.  It finally occurred to me to make a batch with pecans only and double the spice coating cuz' I like it so much.  So here is my version of David's best snack mix ever.

Spiced Pecans...an adaptation of David Lebovitz' recipe for Spicy Nuts and Pretzels

4 cups raw pecan halves

2 tablespoons butter, melted

6 tablespoons brown sugar

1-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons chili powder

3 tablespoons maple syrup

1-1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt such as fleur de sel

Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and roast in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes, stirring once for even toasting.

In a medium bowl mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, pepper and maple syrup.

Add warm nuts and stir until the nuts are completely coated.  Then stir in the salt.

Spread the mixture back on the baking sheet and return to the oven for 12-15 minutes, stirring several times during cooking to make sure the brown sugar isn't clumping.  The exact baking time will vary, but the nuts are done when they are nice and toasty and the mixture is nicely glazed.

Remove from the oven and cool completely, separating the nuts as they cool.  Store in an air tight container.

NOTE:  The pecans are fantastic as a little munchy with cocktails and are also wonderful added to a salad of mixed greens, dried cranberries, crumbled bleu cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette.

I hope you will visit Lori's blog, All that Splatters, to check out this week's entrants in Saturday Blog Showcase.  Mark you calendar for next Saturday when Ann at Thibeault's Table will be our host.