Southerners do love their pecans. There is a running debate on the proper way to say pecan in the South. All I can say is in my husband’s family, they say “puh – con” with the emphasis on the second syllable. I know Paula Deen has her own version but she’s from Georgia and adorable, so I’m forgiving her. We love pecan pie and Magnolia makes a wonderful one. If I can coax the recipe out of her, I’ll put it up another day. For now, here are two wonderful pecans recipes courtesy of my sister-in-law, another beautiful and wonderful Belle.

Spiced Pecans

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 Tbl butter
1 tsp cinnamon
3 cups whole pecans

Mix sugar, water, butter, & cinnamon in a saucepan. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil. When mixture starts to boil, cook exactly 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in pecans & stir quickly until all syrup is absorbed. Pour onto waxed paper. Cool & serve.

Peppered Pecans

1 stick of butter
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cup pecan halves
salt & cayenne pepper to taste

Melt butter in baking pan and add Worcestershire sauce. Mix well. Add pecan halves and stir well. Place in 250 degree oven and bake slowly, stirring every few minutes until pecans have absorbed all the liquid. Remove from oven and sprinkle with salt & cayenne pepper. Stir.

Now I’m hungry. Off to find some pecans.