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Holiday Spiced Pecans (Da Vinci’s Nuts)

Image Credit:
Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock
Written By: The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors The Almanac Editors and Staff
Category
Candy
Meatless
Course
Appetizers
Occasions
Christmas
Thanksgiving
Preparation Method
Roast
Credit
Patty Sanders

Ho, ho, ho, holiday nuts! Bringing you a roasted Holiday Spiced Pecans recipe that our nutritionist Patty calls “Da Vinci’s Nuts.” There are no refined sugars in this unique spiced nuts recipe—and it’s very healthy as well as deliciously addictive! The scent is amazing, too.

Editor’s note: This was such a big hit with our guests! It makes a great holiday gift for relatives and friends, too. If you don’t have garam masala on hand, you can certainly use some of the ingredients that this Indian space is made of (cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, black pepper and coriander). The dust of powered rue at the end of roasting is completely optional; only use small amounts. Rue was known to be Leonardo da Vinci‘s favorite herb for helping awaken creativity. Note: Rue is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Watch Patty Sanders, Almanac contributor and nutritionist from Purdue University Extension, show us how to make these yummy roasted spiced nuts!

Ingredients
12 ounces pecans
1 teaspoon butter
1 Tablespoon garam masala ( Indian Spice made with cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, black pepper and coriander)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup maple syrup
Dust of powdered Rue (optional)

Instructions

In a warm skillet, melt butter. Add pecans, garam masala, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and salt. Add maple syrup.

"Roast" the pecans in the same skillet for 10 to 15 minutes on medium heat while stirring them with a wooden spoon until the syrup adheres to the nuts.

OPTIONAL: Add a dusting of rue if available/desired.

Remove nuts to cool down on a cookie sheet and separate them before they harden.

About The Author

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Almanac Editors and Staff

Under the guiding hand of its first editor, Robert B. Thomas, the premiere issue of The Old Farmer’s Almanac was published in 1792 during George Washington’s first term as president.Today, the Almanac...

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Comments

<span>Patty Sanders</span> Thu, 12/23/2021 - 14:51
Hello Anne…yes! Rue is optional and pregnant women should talk with their physicians first! Thank you Anne! Kindly, Patty Sanders