5 Ways to Use Pecans

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The state farmers market here in Raleigh is already blowing my mind (and there are loads of other local farmers markets around here that I haven’t even explored yet).

It’s open every day for lots of hours and even in the winter right now there are dozens of ingredients to choose from.

Lately I have been munching on local broccoli, cilantro, Brussels sprouts, kale and some tasty goat cheese.

And I even treated myself to some local pecans.

Although they were a bit of an investment (most good nuts are), I have been using them in all kinds of dishes lately.

If you’ve got some pecans in your pantry waiting to become something delicious, here are some ways to use them:

1. Roasting

I love just roasting pecans in a dry skillet on medium heat for about 10 minutes or until they’re aromatic and slightly browned. After roasting and cooling, keep them in a jar or container with a tight lid for a few weeks.

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2. Salad

-Mixed greens (or spinach) with apple, toasted pecans and goat cheese topped with a vinaigrette.

Butternut Squash Farro Salad

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3. Breakfast

Chocolate Pecan Pie Pancakes

The Best Granola

4. Snack

-A handful of raw or toasted pecans

-In a trail mix (like this one)

5. Dessert

Chocolate Pecan Pie, obviously

Carrot Cupcakes

(Spoiler Alert: I’ve got another tasty pecan dessert recipe coming your way in the next few weeks!)

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Would you add any to my list?

And do you have a caramelized or candied pecan recipe that you like? I tried one recently but it was a little too cavity-breaking candied for me.