Pecans and more Pecans have arrived!

While out sharing a little Christmas spirit last week, I stopped by to see my dear friend Peggy.  I was greeted at the door by Anna, Peg's daughter, with a hug and a big "Merry Christmas!"  Then....from the kitchen came a big holler out, "Donya, get in here!"  Of course, I followed that command right away. 

When I entered the kitchen, I saw why Peg was SO intense with her welcome...she was sitting at the bar surrounded by pounds and pounds of FRESH ALABAMA PECANS!  Peg, Anna and hubby had been down to visit family and brought back bags of pecans that had been collected from her sister's trees.  Oh mercy! 

Ok...back to the nuts.  Peg graciously offered me as many of her pecans as I could carry, really?  They had been "cracked" while in Alabama so all I needed to do was pick through them and make sure they were clean.  No problem!  I packed up about 6 lbs and headed home.  With tools in hand, the boys and I started to work.  There are some jobs in life that seem mindless but produce great results, this is one of them, just take a look.

So, my freezer is stocked with fresh Alabama pecans and there are good things in my oven this evening.  With that, I will say a great big thank you to my friend Peg and the great state of Alabama.....Oh, and to Peggy's sister too.

Counting pecans and my blessings,
~Donya
ps and btw - ROLL TIDE!

Spicy Toasted Pecans

• 1 egg white
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 t. salt
• 1 t. cayenne pepper
• 1 t. cinnamon
• 1/2 t. ginger
• 1/4 t. smoked paprika
• 4 cups of pecans
• Whip egg white with whisk until white and bubbly. Mix all dry ingredients in separate bowl. 
• Add pecans to egg white and mix until coated.
• Sprinkle dry ingredients over nuts.
• Place on a foil lined sheet pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.  Turn after about 10 minutes being careful not to burn.
• Cool for 30 minutes.
• Great with a cold beverage or in a green salad.  Enjoy!