Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

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This recipe comes from my best friend, Laura, and her family. While I was in high school, these were always a coveted treat. Laura would bring me a bag of pecans that her sister made, and my family would fight over them. Literally. They were just so good and we could never get enough.

I finally asked Laura for her family's recipe, and she didn't hesitate sending it over. I made them right away so they'd be ready for Christmas, but I probably should have doubled the recipe since I wasn't shy about snacking on some and wanted to save a good amount for my family. The texture of the pecans becomes softer after baking and the cinnamon sugar coating is just enough to add some sweetness and to make a crunchy shell. I know you will love these. They're also a great last minute Christmas gift for friends, family, coworkers and neighbors. Trust me. Merry Christmas!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb. pecans
• 1 egg white
• 1 tbsp. water
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup sugar
• Butter

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Grease a cookie sheet and set aside.

Beat egg white and water until foamy in a small bowl.

In a separate bowl, mix cinnamon, salt, and sugar.

In a large bowl, add the egg white mixture to the pecans and stir to combine. Add the cinnamon mixture to the pecans and stir to cover all pecans.

Spread the pecans on the cookie sheet in an even layer.

Put pecans in oven for 1 hour, making sure to flip them every 15 minutes. Allow to cool and enjoy!

Source: My friend, Laura

Croccante: Almond Brittle

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Growing up, I'd always grab packages of peanut brittle to snack on when I was out shopping. All of the convenience stores had the Planters Peanut Bars up at the front where all the candy usually is, and that's what I was always drawn to. When I saw David Rocco making this almond brittle on his television show, it immediately brought me back to those days. Since almond brittle seems like the "grown-up" version of peanut brittle, I decided to try it out. Once the mixture is dried, it becomes a sweet and salty crunchy treat. It is delicious!

One of the main reasons that I think almond brittle is a perfect mid-day snack is because almonds are known to curb your appetite. You can just grab a piece of this to satisfy a sweet craving and it will hold you over for a few hours. If you aren't a big almond fan, you can also substitute them for peanuts, hazelnuts or pretty much any small nut you prefer. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 5 cups almonds
• Butter, for greasing cookie sheet

Grease a 9x13 inch cookie sheet with butter.

In saucepan, add the sugar and cook on high heat. Continue to stir until the sugar begins to sweat and liquify. Add a bit of water to help, if necessary. Continue to cook until the sugar turns a deep, rich brown color.

Add the almonds and mix well. Cook for a few minutes, making sure the almonds are fully coated. Remove the almonds from the heat and quickly pour and spread the hot almond mixture on the buttered cookie sheet. Spread to desired thickness.

Allow to cool for 30 minutes before breaking into smaller pieces.

Source: David Rocco