From Appetizers to Desserts – How to Cook with Pecans

Pecans are delectable additions to your cooking at any time of the year. But during the holidays, pecan dishes seem to add to the festivities with their aromas and versatility. From appetizers to desserts, incorporating pecans in your holiday menu is a wonderful way to celebrate traditions.

Appetizers

Sometimes we forget simply adding a handful of toasted pecans to a dip or spread can add sophistication, flavor, and texture. Next time you are serving cheese with a preserve as an appetizer, consider this Cherry-Pecan Brie recipe. Pecans in the cherry preserve add crunch, protein, and extra nutrition.

Cream cheese spreads are another appetizer favorite, especially during the holidays. Try this Cream Cheese-and-Olive Pecan Bites recipe. The toasted pecans and cream cheese are a great creamy/ crunchy combination, and the pecans can be served open-faced or in a sandwich style. You can also add variety by using flavored pecans, modifying the olive flavor, or by using goat cheese instead of cream cheese.

Entrees

Adding pecans to glazes can make your turkey or ham even more delectable than last year. In combination with a glaze’s sweetness, pecans round out the flavors with nuttiness. This Ham with Bourbon, Molasses, and Pecan Glaze recipe is a great example of how pecans add depth of flavor to a common holiday dish.

Also, encrusting your entrees with pecans is an additional method to change up your usual recipes. Roast Lamb with Marionberry-Pecan Crust combines finely chopped pecans, jam, parsley, and breadcrumbs to create a crust. Of course, you can apply this pecan-based crust to any meat.

Desserts

Pecan pie is usually the go-to holiday dessert. Yes, it is delicious and festive. But what about keeping the pecans but changing up the dish with a Hummingbird Cake. One of the keys to this recipe is toasting pecans to create more flavor. Also, garnishing the cake with pecans is a great way to add texture.

Try adding pecans to your usual holiday recipes. Not only are they a great nutritional addition, but they are also a festive way to enjoy the holidays.