Add this Southern tradition to your cooking
Best to buy
Pecans are available year-round, but are used in many fall and winter desserts and savory side dishes.
Cut & clean
Pecans can be bought shelled or unshelled. Shelled pecans can be used straight out of the package.
Sweet holiday goodness
To caramelize, heat 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of butter on medium heat, add 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of brown sugar, and 1 cup (99 grams) of whole or halved pecans, and stir constantly until sugar is dissolved and the nuts are lightly browned. (Take care not to burn them!) Create a festive salad by adding them to the greens of your choice with goat cheese and sliced pears.
Varieties
There are over 300 varieties of pecans. Most varieties are a little over one inch in length and consist of two lobes, similar to the walnut but more delicate in flavor.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Shelled pecans can be used straight out of the package. Chopped pecans are used in baking and are especially popular in the American South where they are used to make a traditional pecan pie, a popular dessert. They are also used in savory dishes, such as stuffing, and are added to a number of other foods, such as ice cream and cookies. Pecans are often spiced and served whole as a snack.
Nutritional Highlights
Pecans, 20 halves (1 oz.)
Calories: 196
Protein: 2.6g
Carbohydrate: 3.9g
Total Fat: 20.4g
Fiber: 2.7g
Copyright 2007, Healthnotes, Inc., 1505 S.E. Gideon St., Suite 200, Portland, Oregon 97202, www.Healthnotes.com.
2006-09-07
