How to Make Orange Glazed Spiced Pecans and Almonds – A Perfect Holiday Treat

Are you looking for an easy, homemade pecan treat for the family get-together? You’ll like this simple spiced pecans and almonds recipe. Most of these ingredients are probably already in your kitchen cupboard, just add pecans and almonds!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
• ½ stick or ¼ cup salted butter
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed and strained orange juice
• ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ¼ teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ pound pecan halves or pieces
• ½ pound whole almonds

1. 
   Pecan and Almond Mixture

   Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 250 degrees. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
   
   * If you’re making a double batch of spiced pecans and almonds like I have for this article, you’ll want to position one rack on the top and the other in the middle, and prepare two jelly roll pans. Raise oven temp to 275 degrees.

2. 
   Melting the butter for Spiced Pecans and Almonds.

   In a heavy bottomed pot or skillet, melt butter over low heat, then add the brown sugar, orange juice, salt, cinnamon, cayenne and mace. Whisk till smooth and when sugar has all dissolved, increase heat to medium and simmer mixture till slightly thickened.

3. 
   Thoroughly Mix Spice Mixture with Pecans and Almonds.

   Pour in the pecans and almonds and toss until thoroughly coated. A wide rubber spatula makes this job quite easy.

4. 
   Spread Spiced Pecans and Almonds in Jelly Roll Pan.

   Spread in single layer on prepared pan(s). Bake 1 hour or until uniformly browned and the sugar has thickened and cooked, stirring every 15 - 20 minutes.
   
   If making a double batch, switch positions of the jelly roll pans about half way through the baking time.

5. 
   Cooling Spiced Pecans and Almonds

   When done baking, transfer the spiced pecans and almonds a cool counter covered with parchment paper. Allow to cool completely, then break spiced pecans and almonds up by hand.
   
   Store the spiced pecans and almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate up to 10 days. Serve at room temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• The dark brown sugar will make the spiced pecans and almonds come out looking very dark.
• Use caution when baking that you don’t accidentally burn the nuts. Stir frequently!

Resources

• Fun Pecan Facts
• All About Almonds

[MargaritaBobita]

on 11/22/2009 What a great nut recipe for the holidays. Thanks for sharing!

[lswythe]

on 11/19/2009 This sounds Yummy! Thanks for sharing.5*

[mymukki]

on 11/12/2009 mmmm, I'm drooling! very healthy snack!