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Spiced Pecan Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese

Description

Savory spiced pecans are sprinkled atop grilled peaches, tangy goat cheese and fresh mixed-greens for a refreshing seasonal salad with nice nutty crunch.

Ingredients

Spiced Pecans:

  • 2 cups pecan halves
  • 1 large egg white
  • 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Salad:

  • 1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil or pecan oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 large peaches, halved and pits removed
  • 6 cups mixed baby greens (such as arugula, spring mix, and spinach)
  • 4 ounces soft goat cheese

Instructions

  1. Make the Spiced Pecans: Preheat oven to 275F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a medium size bowl, whisk together egg white, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt until well combined. Fold in pecans and mix until pecans are evenly coated in mixture. Spread in a single layer on prepared baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring occasionally until pecans are fragrant and golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
  4. Make the Salad: In a small bowl, spouted measuring cup, or mason jar, whisk together 1/2 cup olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Set aside.
  5. Brush cut side of peach halves with remaining olive oil and grill on an outside grill or grill pan on stove top set over medium/high heat until grill lines appear and peaches become tender; about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove peaches and cut into slices.
  6. Divide greens among four plates. Top with grilled peach slices and goat cheese. Divide 1 cup of the spiced pecans evenly among the salads and keep the other cup for a snack later. Top each salad with a drizzle of the vinaigrette. Serve and enjoy!

Chocolate Cherry Pecan Snack Mix

Description

Chocolate glazed pecans are tossed with dried tart cherries, yogurt covered raisins, and a few pretzels to add saltiness to this snack mix. 

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup pecan halves
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon water
  • 1 cup dried tart cherries
  • 1 cup small pretzels
  • 3/4 cup yogurt covered raisins

Instructions

  1. Whisk together egg white, brown sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until well blended. Add about 1 tablespoon water to thin mixture slightly. Fold in pecan halves until well coated. Spread mixture onto parchment lined baking sheet.
  2. Bake at 325 degrees F. for about 15 to 20 minutes or until mixture well set. Stir pecan mixture several times during baking. Allow pecans to cool completely and transfer to a bowl. Mix in dried cherries, pretzels, and yogurt covered raisins.

Savory Spiced Pecan Energy Bites

Description

Prefer savory over sweet at snack time? These gluten-free Savory Spiced Pecan Energy Bites will provide sustaining fuel and wake up your taste buds with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup pecan pieces
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, pulse the oats and pecans until it becomes a fine, almost a flour-like consistency.
  2. Then add the salt, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, tahini, honey, and Dijon mustard. Pulse until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  3. Using a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon scoop out the mixture and shape into a ball. (Shape into a ball vs. rolling or the mixture will crumble.) Repeat with the remaining mixture.
  4. Store in the refrigerator.

Pecan Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites

Description

RDN Dawn Jackson Blatner provides us with a nutritious, bite-sized treat that is packed with flavor and perfect for snack time!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw pecan pieces
  • 15 ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. To a blender or food processor add pecan pieces, chickpeas, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sea salt.
  2. Blend about 3-5 minutes, scraping down sides occasionally, until smooth & creamy.
  3. Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
  4. Form into 24 cookie dough balls. Eat as-is. No baking required!
    Note: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Pecan Cinnamon Roll Dough Bites

Description

Blogger Liz Moody makes nutritious snacking easy with this delicious recipe – Pecan Cinnamon Roll Dough Bites!

Ingredients

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup pecan pieces
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups pecan pieces
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup oat flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine grain sea salt

Instructions

  1. Add filling ingredients – pecan pieces, cinnamon, coconut sugar and salt – to a food processor and pulse a few times until the mixture resembles sand. Transfer the mixture to a bowl
  2. Add the 2 cups of pecan pieces from the dough to processor and process for 3-5 minutes, or until the consistency resembles nut butter
  3. Add remaining dough ingredients to the processor and process for 1-2 minutes, until well combined
  4. Roll dough gently into ping pong-sized balls. Then, press and roll into 3 inch sized balls
  5. Press the 3 inch dough into the filling so that one side is coated, then gently coil with that side facing in.
  6. Place bites on parchment-lined pan, pressing any parts that broke back into a ball shape.
  7. Place in freezer to cool. Bites can remain in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Optional: gently toast your pecan pieces at 325 F for 10 min or so, or until fragrant (this takes a bit more time but makes the rolls taste fresh from the oven).Optional: Top these bites with frosting! Mix together one personal sized container of vanilla yogurt with powdered sugar until it’s your desired sweetness. Drizzle on top.

Jerk-Spiced Pecans

Description

Blogger Liz Moody shares a delicious and nutritious 5-minute snack recipe that kicks up the flavor: Jerk-Spiced Pecans! 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups raw, halved pecans
  • 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Pinch nutmeg
  • Pinch cayenne
  • 3/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3/4 teaspoon fine grain mineral salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Add the pecans, smoked paprika, allspice, cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, and cayenne to a skillet.
  2. Turn heat to medium and toast for 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
  3. Add the maple syrup, thyme, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder and stir well to coat, then cook for 2-3 more minutes, until the maple syrup has thickened.
  4. Pour onto parchment paper and space out so they’re not touching each other. They’ll harden as they cool.
  5. Store in a tightly sealed container at room temp for up to 5 days.

Linguine with Cauliflower Pecan Alfredo

Description

A classic pasta dish gets a nutritious makeover. Swap out traditional Alfredo sauce ingredients for better-for-you pecans, cauliflower and milk that come together with linguine to make a hearty and delicious meal. Recipe by Katie Morford, Mom’s Kitchen Handbook.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2/3 cup raw pecan halves
  • 1 cup oat milk (or milk of your choice)
  • 2 cups medium cauliflower florets
  • 1 large clove garlic
  • 1 pound linguine
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or vegan Parmesan, plus more for garnish, if desired

Instructions

  1. Put the pecans in a blender and cover with the oat milk. Leave to soak, but don’t blend yet.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and garlic and boil until tender enough to easily pierce with a knife, about 5 to 6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the cauliflower and garlic, drain well, and add to the blender.
  3. Bring the water back to a boil and add the linguine. Cook according to package directions until al dente.
  4. While the linguine cooks, add the lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper to the blender. Puree until smooth.
  5. When the linguine is done, scoop out 1/2 cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain the linguine and return immediately to the pot. Add the pecan/cauliflower sauce, Parmesan, and enough pasta cooking water so the sauce lightly coats the pasta.
  6. Serve immediately.

Sheet Pan Pecan-Crusted Chicken and Veggies

Description

Nothing beats a one-pan meal the whole family will love! Pecan-crusted chicken is added to a sheet pan alongside carrots and red potatoes for a complete meal that requires just 15 minutes of prep and little clean-up. Recipe by Aubrey Cota, Real Housemoms.

Ingredients

  • Veggies:
    • 1 pound baby red potatoes, quartered
    • 1 pound baby carrots
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil or pecan oil
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • Pecan-Crusted Chicken:
    • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
    • 1/2 tablespoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 cup raw pecan pieces or finely chopped raw pecan halves
    • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
    • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 2 eggs
    • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. For the veggies: Spray a sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray or oil. Place potatoes and carrots on the pan. Toss vegetables with oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  3. For the chicken: Slice chicken horizontally into 4 cutlets. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a shallow bowl combine the pecans, breadcrumbs, 1/2 tablespoon salt, thyme, and garlic powder. Adjust salt to taste.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
  6. Dip chicken in eggs, then dredge in the pecan mixture, coating both sides. Place on the sheet pan.
  7. Place sheet pan in oven and bake for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken over and stir the vegetables. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, until golden brown and juices run clear. Remove chicken from sheet pan and transfer to a plate to rest. Cook the vegetables for an additional 5 minutes.
  8. Serve chicken, carrots, and potatoes immediately. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Whole Wheat Pecan Banana Muffins

Description

A fluffy and wholesome muffin recipe, naturally sweetened with banana and maple syrup and every bite includes a delicious crunch thanks to nutrient-dense pecans. Recipe submitted by Julie Fagan, Peanut Butter Fingers.

INGREDIENTS

  • ¾ c. whole wheat flour
  • ½ c. old fashioned oats
  • 2 tbsp. ground flax seeds
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • ½ tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp. maple syrup
  • 2 ½ tbsp. MCT oil or melted coconut oil
  • ¼ tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 small very-ripe banana, mashed
  • ½ c. light coconut milk (or regular milk)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line muffin pan with six paper muffin liners.
  2. Combine whole wheat flour, oats, flax seeds, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together egg, maple syrup, MCT oil, vanilla, banana and coconut milk.
  4. Gradually pour egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir until batter is combined.
  5. Fold in pecans.
  6. Divide the batter into six muffin cups and bake for 15 – 18 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool and enjoy.

Pecan Protein Pancakes

Description

A power packed breakfast that’s made in just 15 minutes. Combine pecan pieces, bananas, rolled oats, protein powder and cinnamon for protein pancakes that are made even more nutritious with pecan halves on top.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium banana
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 scoops protein powder
  • 1/4 cup pecan pieces
  • 1/4 cup pecan halves
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add banana, eggs, rolled oats, cinnamon, and protein powder to a blender. Blend on medium speed until mixture is well blended.
  2. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into heated pan for each pancake. Sprinkle each pancake with about 1 tablespoon pecan pieces. When edges of pancake begin to look dry, after about 30 to 45 seconds, flip and cook on second side for about 15 seconds or until pancakes are cooked through.
  3. Repeat with remaining batter. Top pancakes with pecan halves and drizzle with maple syrup if desired. Serves 2 to 3.