Pecans
Georgia is the leading producer of pecans in the United States. What exactly does that imply to you? Pecan pies, cookies, sweets, and even savory meals like pecan-crusted catfish, pecan-laced turkey dressing, and, believe it or not, hummus are all available. River Street Sweets in Savannah should be at the top of your gourmet road trip list if you have a sweet taste. The pecan praline is the best-selling confection at Savannah's oldest candy store. This candy is made entirely with Georgia pecans, sugar, cream, and butter, and is the ideal pecan lover's treat.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, see notes, Pinch cayenne pepper, optional, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 1/2 tablespoons water, 2 teaspoons orange zest, optional, 2 cups (6 ounces) pecan halves
Directions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Add brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, cayenne, vanilla, water, and the orange zest (optional) to a medium skillet. Place the skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring often until the brown sugar melts into a bubbling sauce, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the pecans so that the brown sugar sauce coats them. Cook, stirring the entire time, until the pecans look candied and smell nutty, 2 to 3 minutes. As the nuts heat up in the pan, the sauce will slowly coat them and become shiny. Watch closely as the nuts cook so that they do not burn.
- Transfer the candied pecans to the prepared baking sheet and spread into one layer. Allow the pecans to cool down, and then break them up before serving.
- Store cooled candied nuts in an airtight container. They will last at room temperature for one week, in the refrigerator for a few weeks and in the freezer for a month, if not longer.
