Simple spicy glazed pecans, the perfect addition to any family holiday tradition.

Growing up, I fondly remember the spicy and butter smells of roasted glazed pecans. Whenever I would visit a Gertrude Hawk’s Chocolate store, I would be immersed in that beautiful scent of warm roasted pecans. I never thought that I could ever replicate that glorious smell until now. 

Casually thumbing through the family’s recipes, I spied this recipe for glazed pecans.I was genuinely surprised to find this recipe in my card box because no one in my family has ever made these crunchy snacks, from what I can remember. The recipe is labeled as being my grandmother’s recipe. I can only imagine that at one point in time she had made these tasty morsels. I would like to envision them freshly roasted and placed in a nice China bowl served alongside a delicious holiday meal. The warm spices make the whole house smell like Thanksgiving and Christmas, they deserve to be a part of your holiday spread. It gives me immense joy to finally make this special treat at home as well as including it in my own family holiday traditions.   

Glazed Pecans

1 egg white

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup light brown sugar

1 tsp kosher salt

2 TBSP Speculaas Spice mix

1 TBSP vanilla extract

1 pound of halved pecans

Preheat the oven to 300°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, beat the egg white until foamy.

Stir in both sugars, spices and vanilla. Add the pecans and stir to coat.

Bake for 30 minutes or until toasted and golden brown, stirring the pecans occasionally for even baking.

Remove from the oven and cool completely. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

*Notes: If you can’t find Speculaas Spice Mix you can most certainly make your own. I suggest mixing two tablespoons of cinnamon with one teaspoon of ground ginger, nutmeg and clove for a classic warm spice flavor profile. The Speculaas Spice Mix has these spices as well as cardamom, white pepper and anise, adding a complex spicy flavor that’s simply delicious. If you can find all the spices that’s included in the Speculaas I highly recommend trying this instead. But if not, no big deal the classic is just as tasty.