Toast Pecans

Toasting nuts like pecans results in a more intense flavor. Toasted pecans are a great addition to baked breads or as a topping on salads. They're also a great snack all by themselves. Toasting pecans gives them extra crunchiness that also makes them a great addition to holiday baking. It's as simple as tossing them in oil or butter, placing them in the oven or skillet, and turning up the heat until they're fragrant and golden brown.

Ingredients

Shelled pecans:

• Shelled pecans
• Salted butter

Skillet toasted pecans:

• Pecans
• Cooking spray

Oven toasted pecans:

• Pecans

Toasted pecans with coconut oil:

• 1 lb. pecan halves
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon organic Celtic sea salt or equivalent

Steps

Toast Shelled Pecans

1. Start with shelled pecans. You can either shell them yourself, if you have the time, or buy them already shelled.
2. Know that there are several ways to toast pecans. It depends on individual taste and the intended use for toasted pecans.
3. Coat pecans with melted salted butter before toasting for a nice flavor for snacking.
   • If keeping toasted pecans for snacking, you might want to salt before storing in an airtight container.
   • If you plan on adding any other seasonings when you toast nuts, the butter will help the seasonings stick.
   • You can also toast nuts with cooking oil.
   • Toasting pecans dry is another option, but watch out for over-drying.

Skillet Toasted Pecans

1. Enjoy toasting nuts in a skillet if you just have a few minutes to toast nuts.
2. Preheat a non-stick skillet on high, turning it down to medium just before adding pecans.
3. Cook pecans in an iron skillet as another alternative. You might want to lightly spray it with cooking spray or add a little oil to keep the nuts from sticking. You can also cook in butter if you haven't already coated pecans in butter.
4. Stir toasting pecans with a wooden spoon continuously so they will cook evenly and not burn.
5. Remove toasted pecans when they start to turn a little darker.
6. Smell a nutty, toasting smell? This usually means they're done.
7. Cool on paper towels.

Oven Toasted Pecans

1. Preheat oven to 300-to-325 degrees.
2. Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray or use a non-stick baking sheet.
3. Spread nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Toast nuts in the oven for 10-to-15 minutes or until nuts begin to grow a little darker.
5. Turn the toasting nuts with a spatula halfway through the cooking time.
6. Use your nose to pick up a toasting smell. This usually means they're done.
7. Allow toasted pecans to cool on paper towels. Toasting nuts makes them want to stick together, so separate them while they're still warm.

Toasted Pecans with Coconut Oil

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Melt oil and butter for about 45 seconds in microwave.
3. Add salt and toss lightly with pecan halves.
4. Place onto a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.
5. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep watch not to darken pecans too much.
6. Remove from oven and cool on paper towels. To save, place into a sealed container and refrigerate.

Tips

• Broken pecans cook faster than whole pecans.

Warnings

• You need to keep a constant eye on toasting nuts, because they can burn very quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Skillet or baking pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Sources and Citations

• http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,171,155173-250197,00.html
• http://savorysweetlife.com/2009/09/how-to-toast-pecans/
• http://cooklikeyourgrandmother.com/2009/05/how-to-toast-pecans/

See also

• Toast Nuts on the Stove
• Shave Almonds
• Salt Nuts
• Eat Maple Seeds
• Make Peanut Butter
• Cook Chestnuts
• Soak Nuts
• Roast Macadamia Nuts
• Toast Sliced Almonds
• Toast Sesame Seeds

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