Archive for November, 2009

The Countdown Continues: One Week to Go!

Pecan Store November 28th, 2009

Hay Rides

We are just one week away from the nuttiest festival of the year - The Sahuarita Pecan Festival!

Join us on Saturday, December 5, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the inaugural Festival. We are so excited for the fantastic food, pecan related specialties, the arts and crafts market, and all the holiday festivities that are going to be happening right here on our farm. We can’t wait to see you there!

Don’t forget that admission to the festival is completely free for everyone. All we ask is that you bring non-perishable food items with you to benefit the local food bank this holiday season.

For more information including vendors, volunteer information, driving directions to the farm and more, check out SahuaritaPecanFestival.com today.

Creative Commons License photo credit: abardwell

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Pecan Store November 25th, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving from The Pecan Store and The Green Valley Pecan Company! There’s so much to be thankful for this holiday, and we hope your day is filled with lots of joy and fantastic food.

The famous Macy's Turkey

Creative Commons License photo credit: Ben+Sam

Deep Fried Turkey with Honey Glazed Pecan

Pecan Store November 24th, 2009

I have recently posted recipes for Thanksgiving focusing on side dishes and desserts, but who could forget the most important dish - the turkey! Every year I prepare the turkey differently and I have decided to deep fry it this year. I have never deep fried a turkey before, but I could not resist the recipe I found which includes a honey pecan glaze! My side dishes will compliment this turkey well and I can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Sticky Pecan Caramel Cinnamon Rolls

Pecan Store November 23rd, 2009

           just out of the oven cinnamon rolls

 

When it comes to Thanksgiving my focus is always on dinner and I typically forget about breakfast and lunch. I am usually in the kitchen all day preparing for dinner and I end up snacking all day. This year, I have decided to prepare pecan caramel cinnamon rolls ahead of time so I can stick them in the oven first thing Thanksgiving morning. Having a delicious breakfast will keep me from snacking so I can enjoy the wonderful Thanksgiving feast and have room for dessert!

Creative Commons License photo credit: LDHNY

Bourbon Pecan Tart

Pecan Store November 22nd, 2009

      Double Chocolate Pecan Tart

 

Searching for recipes for Thanksgiving is something I really enjoy. My favorite recipes to find are desserts as I have a big sweet tooth. It seems that the most popular new dessert recipe for the 2009 holiday is bourbon-pecan pie or tart. Since I am already making a variety of pies, I thought I would make the bourbon-pecan tart. This recipe comes from Bon Appetit and has received some great reviews.

Ingredients:

  • 1 12-inch round Pie Crust
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup dark corn syrup
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups pecan halves or pieces

Preparation:

Place crust in 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom; press crust into pan. Trim overhang. Chill crust 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line crust with foil; fill with dried beans. Bake until crust is set and pale golden, about 30 minutes. Remove foil and beans. Bake crust until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Place pan with crust on rimmed baking sheet.

Meanwhile, using electric mixer, beat eggs and sugar in medium bowl. Beat in corn syrup. Add butter, bourbon, vanilla, and salt; beat until blended. Stir in pecans.

Pour pecan filling into hot crust. Bake until center of filling is set, about 25 minutes. Cool tart on rack 1 hour; remove pan sides. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. DO AHEAD: Can be made 8 hours ahead. Rewarm slightly before serving, if desired.

Creative Commons License photo credit: tonydolor

Arts and Crafts Vendors Just Announced!

Pecan Store November 21st, 2009

             Fuerteventura

 

The inaugural Sahuarita Pecan Festival is a celebration of all things Santa Cruz Valley. In addition to our world famous pecans headlining the festival, you can also enjoy an entire day of family fun, delicious fare, exciting activities for all ages and a Holiday Marketplace with local arts and crafts vendors.

Come on down and check out the Holiday Marketplace where you can pick up a new book from University of Arizona Press, premium candles from Arizona Scents, fresh organic produce from Avalon Organic Gardens, Farm and Ranch, plus so much more. There’s jewelry, clothing, art, pottery and food, along with anything and everything else you might be looking for.

And with the holiday season quickly approaching, our Holiday Marketplace is the perfect way to find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends.

Admission to the Festival is free, so come on down and check out our Holiday Marketplace on Saturday, December 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a complete list of arts and crafts vendors, plus directions, visit http://www.sahuaritapecanfestival.com/ today.

Creative Commons License photo credit: Robby van Moor

Only Two Weeks Left!

Pecan Store November 20th, 2009

      The grill at the Summer company party.

That’s right, there are only about two weeks left until the inaugural Sahuarita Pecan Festival officially kicks off on Saturday, December 5! We are so excited to be hosting our first festival and have some exciting new updates for you.

In addition to all the fun family activities and events we’ve talked about, there’s also going to be some amazing food. The Big Kettle will be there serving up their famous kettle corn. Chef Chic will be making ooey, gooey pecan sticky buns. Common Grounds Espresso Co. will be sure to keep you warm with some tasty drinks, and JoBob’s BBQ Catering will be there serving up some delicious pecan dishes and fantastic barbeque. And that’s just to name a few!

At the inaugural Sahuarita Pecan Festival, you can also enjoy a glass of wine for a great cause. Hold a toast to the season with a glass from Dos Cabezas Wineworks and Canelo Hills Vineyard & Winery.  All proceeds from the wine sales will benefit the Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance, a local nonprofit organization benefiting the region’s valuable heritage.

For more information, directions and a complete list of the tasty treats you can sample at the inaugural Sahuarita Pecan Festival, visit http://www.sahuaritapecanfestival.com/ today! We can’t wait to see you there!

Creative Commons License photo credit: ricardodiaz11

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pineapples and Pecans

Pecan Store November 19th, 2009

I can do nothing but think of sweet potatoes as the holiday season approaches. I have always enjoyed the sweet taste and soft texture of sweet potatoes and when they are mixed with brown sugar with a couple of marshmallows on top they are unbelievable. Another Thanksgiving  favorite is mashed sweet potatoes which are always smooth and creamy with a little added sweetness.  This holiday season I have been looking for a recipe that adds a little something extra to the mix. I came across this recipe that adds a tangy and toasted crunchy flavor which is amazing. These flavors come from cut up pineapple pieces and toasted pecans that are added when roasting the sweet potatoes in the oven. I cannot wait to see the responses I get from this dish, this holiday season.

Sweet Potato Pecan Dessert

Pecan Store November 18th, 2009

It is my favorite time of the year, Thanksgiving!  I love the cool weather and even better yet, the warm desserts.  For the longest time now I have been searching for the perfect Thanksgiving dessert recipe and I think I found it.  I came across a Sweet Potato Pecan dessert and this recipe caught my eye because it is very simple to make and cooked in the slow cooker, which means I can focus on my other dishes that need more time and labor to get them just right.  I also really like this recipe because I can offer more variety to my guests; rather then just serving pie like everyone else does during the holidays.

Sausage, Cranberry and Pecan Stuffing

Pecan Store November 17th, 2009

I typically spend all day in the kitchen preparing Thanksgiving dinner and this year it is my goal to be more prepared so I can spend more time with my family! I am focusing on recipes that can be made ahead of time and I found a great stuffing recipe in Gourmet.  Not only is this recipe simple but you can make it one day ahead of time with only 45 minutes of preparation time, which means one less dish to make on Thanksgiving! 

Creative Commons License photo credit: arvindgrover 

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