Name: Sugared Pecans
Total time: PLACEHOLDER
Ingredients: 2 cups raw pecan halves; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon rum , bourbon, or water; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Why This Recipe Works

To save ourselves the money and hassle of buying these confections, we developed a homemade Sugared Pecans recipe. Toasting the pecans brought out their nutty flavor, while a simple sugar syrup ensured the spice mixture adhered to the pecans.

Before You Begin

Depending on how many pecans you use to decorate the cake, you may have some leftover. Nuts can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days. Choose pecans halves that are not broken.

Instructions

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread pecans in even layer on rimmed baking sheet and bake, tossing nuts occasionally, until fragrant and deepened in color, 6 to 8 minutes.

While nuts are toasting, stir sugar, and salt, together in medium bowl.

Bring rum, vanilla, brown sugar, and butter to boil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Stir in toasted pecans and cook, stirring constantly, until nuts are shiny and almost all liquid has evaporated, about 1 1/2 minutes.

Toss pecans in bowl with spice mix and return to baking sheet to cool completely, about 15 minutes.