Here in the South, fall means pecans! We’re always coming up with new ways to enjoy the delicious nuts because since pecans are grown locally, we get bulk pecans at cheap prices. We eat them fresh, in candies, in cakes, and in wonderful pies. We often spend long cold nights roasting pecans with just butter and salt. The nuts are delicious, no matter how they’re prepared!

Below are a few “fancy” ways to prepare pecans. They’re quick and easy, and real crowd pleasers. These would make great gifts, also. Make a few of these pecan recipes and put them together for a unique gourmet pecan gift basket! Homemade pecan gift baskets are the perfect Christmas gifts for those hard-to-please folks on your shopping list.

These recipes are also great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and parties.

Double-dipped chocolate-covered pecans

This is a super quick, easy recipe! You’ll need 1 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, 6 tablespoons of heavy cream, and 2 cups of cleaned pecan halves. Melt chips and cream over water in a double boiler until melted and smooth. Dip nuts in chocolate using a fork or a slotted spoon and place on waxed paper, separating individual halves. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, or until coating is hard. Repeat the dipping process.

Candied pecans

These nuts have a crunchy candy coating. You’ll need an egg white, ½ cup packed dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 4 cups of pecan halves. Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Beat the egg white until peaks form, and add the brown sugar, the cinnamon, and the vanilla. Stir the nuts in until they’re well coated. Drop the nuts on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper that has been sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray. Bake for 13-14 minutes until brown.

Spicy pecans

These pecans are savory and delicious! You’ll need 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, and 2 cups of clean pecan halves. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Mix together all the ingredients except the nuts. When well blended, add nuts and stir to coat. Place the nuts on a cookie sheet and bake for 35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Cajun spiced pecans

These are a spicier version of the above recipe. Just add 1 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce, a tablespoon of white granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon paprika. These nuts are hot, with just a touch of sweetness. Believe me – they’re addictive!

Pecan pralines

This is a traditional Southern favorite for Southern pecans! You’ll need 2 cups of packed light brown sugar, ¼ cup water, ¼ cup evaporated milk (NOT sweetened condensed milk), 2 cups of mixed pieces and pecan halves, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, dash of salt, and 3 tablespoons of cold salted butter, cut into small cubes. In a two-quart saucepan, mix together the sugar, water, and milk. Heat until boiling, stirring constantly. Cook until mixture reaches 235 degrees. Remove from heat immediately and stir in pecans, vanilla, salt, and butter. Stir until nuts are well coated, and drop by spoonfuls on greased waxed paper.

Pecan brittle

This is a delicious twist on traditional peanut brittle. You’ll need 2 cups of white granulated sugar, 1 cup of clear corn syrup, 1 cup water, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 2 cups of pecan pieces, 1 tablespoon real butter, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Mix sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in an iron Dutch oven. Using medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir in the pecan pieces and continue cooking until the liquid turns brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and baking soda. Turn onto a cookie sheet (one with sides) that has been lightly greased with butter. When completely cool, break into pieces. Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.