Not even apples make our mouths water for pie like this native North American nut. Yet the luscious pecan (pronounced pih-KAHN or PEE-kan, depending on where you're from) has many uses beyond this stickily sweet dessert.
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Tips:
Choose Wisely
Look for pecans with clean, unblemished, uncracked shells. Shake the pecan -- it shouldn't rattle.
Store Properly
Pecans have a higher fat content (mostly monounsaturated fats) than other nuts and are therefore more perishable. To keep them from spoiling, double-bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to three months or in the freezer up to six.
Toast Carefully
Toasting pecans brings out their flavor, plus it's easy to do: Bake nuts at 350°F for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally.
Recipes:
Salads
Hearts Of Romaine with Roquefort and Toasted Pecans
Red and Napa Cabbage Salad with Braeburn Apples and Spiced Pecans
Roasted Beet, Shallot and Pecan Salad
Main Courses
Pork Chops with Pecan Corn Bread Dressing and Cider Gravy
Roast Lamb with Marionberry-Pecan Crust
Sauteed Halibut with Pecan Shallot Topping
Ham with Bourbon, Molasses, and Pecan Glaze
Desserts
Pecan Spice Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pecan-Fig Pie with Brandied Whipped Cream
Pecan Lace Sandwich Cookies with Orange Buttercream
Click here for many more recipes
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