Spiced Pecans

The recipe for these hot and spicy, sweet and crunchy pecans is from Emeril's Creole Christmas Cookbook.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 cups water
2 cups plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder
2 cups pecan pieces
4 cups vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cooking Directions:

1. Combine the water, 2 cups of the sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of the cayenne in a medium-size, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the mixture comes to a boil and becomes slightly thick, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the pecans and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Drain the pecans in a colander set over a bowl, shaking off the excess liquid.
3. Heat the oil to 360°F (175°C) in a deep frying pot or electric fryer. Add the pecans and fry until they are a deep mahogany color, 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove the pecans with a slotted spoon and drain on a platter lined with parchment paper. Stir the pecans so they won’t stick together.
4. Combine the salt, the remaining 1/8 teaspoon cayenne, the cinnamon, and the remaining 1 teaspoon sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle the pecans with this mixture. Let cool. Serve in small nut cups or decorative bowls.
5. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Makes 2 cups.

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