Sugared Pecans

Warning:  this snack is addictive, leave now to prevent endless snacking, crunching and loving on these cinnamon-sugared treats.  When they are cooking, anyone in the vicinity of your kitchen will be drawn in as the heavenly cinnamon and nut aroma fills the air.  And do not give these away, this will cause repeat requests to have you make them again and again . . .  These were even picky son approved!   Still here?  Make them and enjoy :)

Recipe:
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
3 large egg whites
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon Saigon cinnamon (you can use regular cinnamon)
4 cups pecan halves
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet up to the sides with parchment paper.  Pour and spread the melted butter onto the lined sheet.  Mix the egg whites, sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl.  Add the pecans and toss until fully coated.  Spread the pecans onto the baking sheet into a single layer.  Bake for a total of 21 minutes,  (the smell will be amazing!) stirring and tossing completely after 7 minutes - to evenly cook, coat and prevent burning.  Remove from oven and toss once more, let cool for about 10 minutes (try to wait), then enjoy!!
Recipe adapted from Trisha Yearwood's book - Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen

If you can, give them away before you eat them all ~ tie them up with festive ribbon in mini cello bags

Enjoy!

Summer Berry Pie Bars

It's Berry season, which means time for fresh delicious berry desserts!   This is an easy and versatile recipe, you can use any combination of berries to your liking.  This time I used 1/2 blueberries, and 1/2 strawberries -quartered.  Serve these at your next summer celebration, they will not last long!

 

Recipe:
Crust and Topping ~
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
pinch of salt
1 1/2 sticks cubed cold unsalted butter
Filling ~
3 cups fresh berries ~ you can use 1 type or mix any combination of blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
2 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup flour
pinch of salt

Instructions:
Line a 9 X 13" pan with parchment paper up along the sides and spray with baking spray.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine the flour, sugar and salt in the bowl of a food processor and process until combined, add the butter and process for 30-60 seconds, until evenly distributed and the mixture is crumbly.  Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.  Press remaining mixture into the bottom of the pan.  Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.  Let cool.  While cooling make the filling:  Whisk the eggs in a large bowl, then add sugar, sour cream, flour and salt.  Gently fold in the berries.  Spoon the mixture evenly over the crust.  Sprinkle the reserved topping evenly over the filling.  Bake for about 45-60 minutes, until the top is lightly browned.  Let cool, then cut into bars. 
Recipe adapted from:  Blackberry Pie Bars Recipe from the book: "The Pastry Queen"

Original recipe and lots of other great recipes can be found in this book, available in my store:

 

http://astore.amazon.com/rosscoubak-20/detail/1580085628

Enjoy!