The Perfect Quick and Easy Holiday Hostess Gift: Spiced Pecans from 2021 Christmas with Southern Living #abramsdinnerparty #southernliving #spicedpecans #homemadeholiday

Growing up in Texas, Southern Living magazine has been one of my go-to cooking, entertaining, and decorating resources for as long as I can remember. I especially love their annual Christmas guidebook! I recently received the 2021 Christmas with Southern Living holiday book as part of the ABRAMS Dinner Party blogging group. I featured it in my Holiday Cookbook Gift Guide last week. However, I also want to share a simply delicious recipe from the book. Southern Living's Spiced Pecans recipe is made with staple ingredients you likely have in your pantry. These sweet-spicy pecan halves are a perfect snack to serve impromptu holiday guests. They're also a perfect homemade hostess gift or teacher appreciation gift! I was able to whip up a 2-cup batch of these pecans in about 15 minutes, before letting them set up for a couple of hours. Delicious, quick to make, and made with staple kitchen ingredients. That ticks all the boxes for the hectic holiday season! 

Spiced Pecans

from 2021 Christmas with Southern Living

Ingredients (makes 2 cups/8 servings):

• 2 cups shelled pecan halves
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne [NOTE: I subbed an equal amount of paprika since my family didn't want a ton of spice]
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 tsp. table salt
• 3 TBS unsalted butter, melted
• 2 TBS packed light brown sugar

Directions: 

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400℉. Spread pecans on baking sheet in a single layer. Roast, shaking pan occasionally, until fragrant and light golden brown, about 10 minutes. [NOTE: I roasted my pecans in a 375℉ air fryer for 3-4 minutes.]

Step 2: While the pecans roast, combine the cinnamon, chili powder, cumin, cayenne/paprika, ginger, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk until completely combined.

Step 3: Remove pecans from oven and place in a large mixing bowl. While still hot, toss the pecans with the melted butter, brown sugar, and spice mix. Stir to combine evenly. Let the nuts cool before serving.

These nuts are so tasty! The nutty roasted pecans and sweet-spicy seasoning work so well together. To serve, place the spiced pecans in a pretty serving dish...this white candy dish has been in my family for years. 

If you have any leftovers -- and that's a big if! -- store them in a covered storage container to ensure they stay fresh. These pecans are great eaten as is...and they're also a fantastic addition to a Fall salad. Bottom line? This is a fantastic recipe to have in your back pocket during the upcoming holiday season. I know I'll be making multiple batches between now and New Year's Eve!!

Disclosure: I received a copy of 2021 Christmas with Southern Living as part of the ABRAMS Dinner Party blogging group. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

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