5 Delicious Ways To Enjoy Pecans

I like peanuts. I really like cashews. But, I love pecans. That's why I was so happy when I discovered that Sunday was National Pecan Day - a day devoted to the recognition and enjoyment of this delectable nut. (never mind that pecans have one of the highest fat contents of any vegetable product and a caloric value close to butter. I'll get back to my diet on Monday) You know, if cooked vegetables tasted like pecans I would eat them all the time.

There are many great ways to enjoy these wonderful creations, and in celebration of National Pecan Day I would like to share 5 yummy-delicious ways to enjoy pecans.

1) Pecan Pie - This is probably the most popular way to enjoy pecans. I did not appreciate pecan pie as a kid. Then one day, I tried it - and I LOVED it. Here's a recipe you can try from our friends at Food Network.

(flickr - andy castro)

 2) Pecan Mudslide at Dairy Queen- This is one of the most heavenly creations on earth. A generous serving of vanilla ice cream, covered with chocolate and caramel topping(although I order mine with double caramel and no chocolate) and of course, covered in pecans. I do hope there will be pecan mudslides in heaven.

3)Spiced Pecans - I don't know who ever came up this idea, but, wow. Nice job, dude. Here's a recipe you can try - and then maybe share some with me

1 lb. Pecan Halves

2 Egg Whites
3/4 cup Sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon

Beat egg whites until stiff. Stir in pecans. Add sugar and cinnamon. Spread on cookie sheet on cake pan. Bake 1 hour at 200 degrees, stirring every 15 minutes. Some people have been known to add a little cayenne pepper to give them a little spice.

4) Pecan Sandies from Keebler - I know these are store bought cookies, but these shortbread treats are so yummy delicious. If left unattended, I'm likely to devour an entire bag in one sitting.

 5) Fresh Out of the Shell -  Sometimes it's nice to grab a nutcracker and a bag of pecans and just eat them right out of the shell. However, there is a special skill required when cracking open pecans. I've never gotten the knack for cracking the shell open without leaving the meat of the nut in small pieces.