I just read this interesting post online about how to sweeten pecans. It looks like this might work best with natural, in-shell pecans since the insides haven’t been cleaned yet. I don’t know if I’ve ever had a bitter pecan since I always buy mine out of the shell, but the next time I come across one I’ll try this handy trick.
WorkdayGourmet.com explains, “Pecans have two sources of bitterness – naturally occurring tannins in the kernel and pieces of corky material from the inside of the nut which can adhere to the kernel.”
Apparently, all you have to do to “sweeten” pecan meat is place the kernels in a bowl and fill it with lukewarm water. Stir the pecans for several minutes until the water is discolored. Rinse and repeat at least once more and then let them dry on paper towels for about 15 minutes.
A lot of recipes call for toasted pecans, and even if they don’t, toasting pecans is a great way to enhance their natural flavor. I found this great, and short, tutorial on the do’s and don’ts of toasting pecans:
We don’t particularly enjoy the way they say “pe-can” in the video below, but we certainly like the message! Its a very informative review on why eating pecans can help maintain a healthy heart:
It’s not really a secret that I am an avid fan of all Philosophy products. For those of you who haven’t used Philosophy before, it’s a skincare/cosmetics company that makes, among other things, deliciously scented bath and shower gels. My all-time favorites: Green Apple, Pumpkin Spice Muffin, Oatmeal Raisin and Spiced Apple Cider. The best part about the shower gels is that they smell so indulgent in the shower but don’t leave a lasting scent after you dry off. I love Oatmeal Raisin, but I don’t want to walk into work smelling like a bakery every day. And that’s why these shower gels are perfect.
But, while I was browsing the online store the other day, it occurred to me that Pecan Pie would be an absolutely fabulous scent to lather up with every morning—especially if it smelled like a pecan pie that’s fresh out of the oven. Maybe I wouldn’t hit the snooze button so many times if I knew that sweet little treat was sitting in the shower.
And the thing is, these shower gels smell so real they can make your mouth water. I really think that pecan pie should be the next addition to their scent collection.
Maybe we should start a pecan pie Philosophy petition and see where it goes.
I was searching through Cooking Light the other day and I found this amazing-looking recipe. Although I haven’t tried it yet, I saw that it got positive reviews on their website. So, for a tasty snack that’s also on the healthier side, try Cooking Light’s Maple-Pecan Granola and then let me know how you like it. I think this is one recipe I’m going to have to make for myself this weekend too.
Ingredients:
2 cups regular oats
½ cup pecan pieces
½ cup maple syrup
¼ cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
Cooking spray
Directions:
Preheat oven to 300°.
Combine oats and next 5 ingredients (through salt); spread on large jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 300° for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely.
And for a delicious start to your morning, Cooking Light suggests using the granola in a parfait. Just take a glass and alternate between layers of vanilla non-fat yogurt, maple-pecan granola and your favorite fruit. It’s quick, easy and a no-hassle, nutritious breakfast.
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