How to Roast Pecans

Although raw, shelled pecans are tasty in their natural state, roasting the buttery nuts takes the flavor to another level. Our guide, how to roast pecans, teaches you basic roasting techniques and provides variations that allow you to give the nuts additional flavor in the process. Many appetizer, salad, meat, fish and dessert recipes use roasted pecans as a prominent condiment.

Whole, half and pecan pieces can be bought anytime throughout the year are grocery stores around the United States.

When buying unshelled pecans you should buy plump pecan that have consistent size and color. The pecans color should be golden brown or cream.http://www.texaspecans.com/ FAQ's If buying shelled pecans, shells should have no cracks, holes or mold and the nuts should seem heavy.http://www.recipezaar.com/library/getentry.zsp?id=276 Pecans will need to shelled before roasting.

Unroasted pecans can be stored for two months at room temperature and in the refrigerator for several months.http://www.durdenpecan.com/pecan-storage-tips.htm They can be stored in the freezer for up to two years. If frozen, pecans should thaw to room temperature before grinding them in a blender or food processor.

• Eliminate the "raw" flavor of pecans and bring out a rich, slightly smoky essence by roasting shelled pecans. Roasting can be done in the oven or on the stove top.

Although these recipes generate two cups of roasted pecans in 15 minutes in the oven or on the stove, you can use the process to make as many pecans as you'd like without changing the cooking technique, temperature or time.

• What You'll Need for Roasting in the Oven

• 2 cups pecans
• Cooking spray, butter or cooking oil
• Baking sheet
• Oven

• What You'll Need for Roasting on the Stovetop

• Pecans
• Skillet
• Stove

• Roasting in the Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Sea-Salt-Roasted-Pecans-233690
2. Spray a baking sheet with a light coating of cooking spray.http://www.recipezaar.com
   • -For additional flavor, toss them in three tablespoons of melted butter and sea salt.http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Sea-Salt-Roasted-Pecans-233690
   • -You can also coat the pecans with two tablespoons of cooking oil.http://www.barryfarm.com/How_tos/how_to_roast_nuts.htm
3. Spread the pecans on the baking sheet in an even layer.http://www.barryfarm.com/How_tos/how_to_roast_nuts.htm
4. Bake them for 10 to 15 minutes, until fragrant.http://www.bonappetit.com/tipstools/tips/2008/04/how_to_toast_nuts
   • -Check on the pecans often to ensure they don't burn.http://www.recipezaar.com/How-to-Toast-Pecans-2688
   • -The pecans will also continue browning and cooking after they're removed from the oven.http://www.mopecans.com/roastnuts.htm
5. Let them cool on a paper towel before serving.http://www.barryfarm.com/How_tos/how_to_roast_nuts.htm

• Roasting on Stovetop

1. Warm a skillet over medium-high heat.http://www.georgiapecansfit.org/Healthy/PecanPossibilities.html
2. Add the pecans to the skillet, stirring frequently so they won't scorch.http://plantanswers.tamu.edu/recipes/pecanrecipes/toastedpecans.html
3. Cook the pecans for about 5 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned.http://www.barryfarm.com/How_tos/how_to_roast_nuts.htm
   • -The pecans should be removed from the heat as soon as they begin to smoke a little and become fragrant.http://www.melissas.com/Recipes/Cooking%20Tips/Toasting-Pecans-or-Other-Nuts.aspx
4. Pour the pecans onto a plate to stop the cooking process and allow them to cool before serving.http://www.georgiapecansfit.org/Healthy/PecanPossibilities.html

• Oven Variations

1. Honey, allspice and black pepper give the pecans an interesting sweet and salty coating.http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Honey-Roasted-Peppered-Pecans-103179
2. Tossing the pecans in falafel mix gives them an international flair.http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/falafel-spiced-pecans
3. Spice the pecans with flavors like cinnamon, cayenne pepper and brown sugar.http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/spiced-pecans
4. Use curry powder to give the nuts a smoky, tangy essence.<rref>http://www.recipezaar.com/Curried-Pecans-9077</ref>
5. Coat the pecans in the warm flavors of chili powder, cumin, coriander and Worcestershire sauce.http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/chili_pecans.html

• Stovetop Variations

1. Add ginger and sugar to give the pecans a spicy and sweet kick.http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/ginger-spiced-pecans
2. Also achieve sweet and spicy with a combination of sugar, salt, pepper and cayenne.http://www.suite101.com/blog/michael28/sweet_and_spicy_pecans
3. Create savory pecans by roasting with rosemary, paprika, chili powder and Tabasco sauce.http://www.saveur.com/article/Food/Jessicas-Spiced-Pecans
4. Give the pecans a sweet and spicy glaze with butter, sugar and Cajun seasoning.http://www.recipezaar.com/Buttery-Sweet-Toasted-Pecans-341015