Half-sheet pan lined with parchmenet of silicone liner
Ingredients
2cupsraw pecan halves, toasted (See Tip 1)
⅔cup(5 ounces) light brown sugar
2Tablespoons(1 ounce) water
1teaspoonvanilla extract
½teaspoonground cinnamon (See Tip 2)
¼teaspoonfine sea salt (See Tip 3)
Instructions
Combine brown sugar, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a saucier, large saucepan, or large skillet. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
Continue stirring over medium heat until the sugar mixture comes to a boil, about 4 minutes. Add toasted pecans; stir to combine.
Continue stirring pecan mixture over medium heat until the sugar mixture forms a sandy coating on the pecans, about 4 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sandy coating melts and caramelizes on the pecans, about 10 minutes. Watch carefully to ensure that the pecans do not burn.
Transfer caramelized pecans to a silicone or parchment-lined baking sheet. Using two forks, carefully separate the pecans into single pieces. Allow to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Yield: 3 cups, 12 servings. (See Tip 4)
Video
Tips/Notes
To toast pecans, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for eight to nine minutes. Watch carefully to ensure that the pecans do not burn.
May omit cinnamon if you don't like cinnamon.
If you don't have sea salt, you can substitute table salt.
These make excellent gifts. Package the caramelized pecans in treat bags or decorative containers for holiday gifts for friends, coworkers, and family.