Puttin’ On The Ritz: Spiced Pecans
Have you ever stayed at the Ritz Carlton and tasted their spiced pecans? Oh my heavens, they are addicting but oh so good!
I recently spent a few days at the Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation where I was surrounded by nature and Southern charm. My balcony overlooked a tranquil lake and inside my room was the ultimate comfy bed with crisp white linens, the softest downy pillows and a little glass jar of these naughty pecans!
Thankfully the recipe was attached as I nibbled, shared, and knew I had to make these soon! They are so easy to make with just a few ingredients. These can be a fabulous make ahead for a cocktail party or hostess gift.
Spiced Pecans
1 lb pecan halves
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper *
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Arrange pecans in a single layer on the pan. Bake 15 minutes, then stir.
Bake an additional 10 minutes and remove from the oven. Allow pecans to cool about 5 minutes – no more, then stir to loosen individual pieces. I removed the pecans and placed onto another baking sheet as once they cool completely, they will break if trying to separate. Once completed cooled, store in an airtight container. For how long? hard to tell as they have never lasted more than 1-2 days before being eaten up!
* 1 tablespoon of cayenne is VERY spicy. I would suggest using 1-2 teaspoons instead.
spicegirlfla
I love being in the kitchen. Early mornings, soft music, a hot espresso. Easing into the preparation of delicious meals. Glancing through cookbooks, gathering inspiration and planning my day. I look forward to the cycles of the seasons, the pleasures of tasting and savoring and sharing this with those dear to me. Weekends are special to me as my week days are often rushed, but still I create the ambiance, light the candles, set the table and uncork the wine.
27 Comments
Sharyn Dimmick
Good tip about the cooling times and stirring, Linda — I’ve recently made a couple of batches of Betsy’s Glazed Almonds and had difficulty prying them from the baking sheet (not to mention cleaning it afterwards). These sound delicious, perhaps with a reduction in cayenne…
spicegirlfla
Yes a reduction in cayenne pepper is necessary, even for someone like me that loves spicy! I’ll have to check out Betsy’s Almond; the sugary mixture just hardens them so much if you’re not quick to separate, you’ll end up with a big glob of nuts – and yes, the pan is difficult to clean, but I soak mine and it came out easily.
bellini
if i can’t spend time at the ritz this is the next best thing.
ChgoJohn
A great little recipe, Lynda, and the perfect snack. Only problem I’d have is that, right now, I’ve a hard time finding pecans. I wanted some to use in biscotti but none were to be found. I ended up using walnuts. Next year I’ll shop sooner and buy extra. This recipe sounds too good to pass up.
Who am I kidding? I’ll be making these long before next year’s Holidays. 🙂
Have a great week, Lynda, and wishing you and yours every Happiness in the New Year.
spicegirlfla
Come to Georgia John! There are plenty of pecans here!! I’m actually surprised to hear you can’t find them. Walnuts would work fine here too. So you made biscotti?? I hope you post it as I’d love to see your recipe! Wishes to you for a happy New Year too!
Hotly Spiced
These look fabulous Lynda, and so good for a pre-dinner snack. I just love pecans and with the maple syrup on them and those spices these would be very addictive xx
petit4chocolatier
These look perfectly delicious. I have seen recipes before and have tried them; but never with maple syrup and cayenne pepper. I am going to have to try these with all the cayenne pepper 🙂
SallyBR
Loved the recipe, the tips for baking the nuts, and your star-shaped dish is perfect to hold them!
Happy New Year!
Amy @ Elephant Eats
Ok, I’m SUPER jealous of your Ritz Carlton stay. I just checked out the website for that particular one of their resorts and it looks seriously amazing. Hope you had a relaxing stay! What a nice bonus to find a tasty snack in your room 🙂
Mad Dog
Fantastic pecans 🙂
Kristy
Oh what a great recipe. It’s very similar to the one I make at the holidays. We use ginger instead of cumin. I’m going to have to try switching it up next time. A few nights at a Ritz sounds like heaven Linda! I’m glad you got away for a few days. You were on my mind again at Christmas Eve this year. Thanks to you and Chicago John, we now enjoy a seafood dish at our Italian-themed family dinner on Christmas Eve. 🙂 It’s a tradition I’m happy to carry on in our family, and the kids are certainly thrilled about it too. I hope you had a great Christmas with your kids and family Linda. And have a wonderful New Years!
Tandy
If my allergy tests come back saying I can have nuts then I’m going to try these for sure 🙂
David
These look wonderful! I think the spicy would be great with the sweet!
betsyb
I love a spicy sweet combo with nuts and these pecans sound delicious. I like your tip about stirring the pecans to keep them from sticking. I usually put down foil and coat it with oil to get them to release, but sometimes it works better than others! 😉 Hope you have a great weekend and a happy New Year, Linda!
cecilia
YUM! have a lovely holiday season! all joy for you darling girl.. c
Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
You’ve conjured up such heavenly images of pressed white linen sheets.. a bed plumped with white pillows.. and now these pecans. I won’t be anywhere near such a beautiful bed, but we are leaving tomorrow for our place in BC, so I’ll have views of the lake at least. And.. I’m pinning these pecans so I can try the recipe when I get there. Maybe if I put some in a little jar next to my bed, it will almost be the same? xx Smidge
Alex
And so beautiful as a gift, too. Have a great New Year’s Eve!
Geni
Oh, these sound utterly divine Linda. I would certainly have trouble not polishing off the whole bowl. I’m so glad you got a little luxurious R&R. You certainly deserve it. Hope 2013 is your most spectacular year yet!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
I made these and you are now our new hero! My inlaws thought I’d come up with this on my own but I gave you all the credit.
Happy New Year!
Chica Andaluza
Hi Linda, have just signed up again. Seems I wasn´t getting your posts, so glad you´re back!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
Pecans are my favorite nuts…a jar wouldn’t last long in my house. I use nonstick foil on my baking sheets…really helps with the cleanup.
Kelly @ Inspired Edibles
Ooh, the cumin sounds delightful in these little bites… Linda, your packaging is so pretty. I just love the brown ribbon to match your pecans. I would be thrilled to receive such a beautiful and tasty gift. I think I may have to try these delights…Happy New Year Linda! Being surrounded by nature is always a good thing in my books. Smart move.
Amy (Savory Moments)
Glazed/spiced nuts are one of my favorite things and are a must around the holidays for us. These look delicious!
The Hook
These spice pecans are almost as classy as you!
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Ellen Burch
These look wonderful! I’m thinking about making them as holiday gifts for neighbors. Does anyone know how many pint mason jars this recipe will fill? Thank you!
spicegirlfla
Hi Ellen, good question! well a pint is a unit of measure of volume. A pound is a unit of weight. The two are not the same, however, a pint would equal 2 cups and 1 pound is 16 oz, and if 1 cup equals 8 oz, then there would be 2 cups to a pound.
In short, this recipe using 1 lb of pecans (2 cups) would fill 1 pint. Hope that helps!