How to Roast Pecan Halves

Roasting brings out the flavor of pecans.

It might sound nuts, but pecans are not nuts. Technically they are drupes. Drupes are the fruits of a plant holding a shell-encased seed. Cherries, walnuts and mangoes are also drupes. Since pecans contain a high amount of fat, you do not need to grease the baking pan before roasting them. Once roasted, add the pecans to your favorite recipes in place of raw pecans or enjoy them as an alternative to other nuts as a snack.

Things You'll Need

• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Spread the pecans in a single layer on the baking sheet.

3. Roast the pecans for 10 to 15 minutes or until fragrant and slightly darkened.

4. Cool the pecans on the baking sheet slightly before enjoying or using in recipes.

Tips & Warnings

• Add flavor to your roasted pecans. Toss 1 cup of pecans with 2 tbsp. melted butter, 2 tbsp. sugar and 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon for roasted pecans to top a sweet potato casserole. Combine 1 cup hot pecans with 2 tbsp. melted butter and 1 tbsp. warm honey for honey-butter pecans. Make a savory snack by combining 1 cup pecans with 2 tbsp. melted butter and 2 tsp. chili powder or taco seasoning mix.

References

• "Cookwise"; Shirley O. Corriher; 1998
• "Good Eats: The Early Years"; Alton Brown; 2003