11 Recipes to Celebrate National Pecan Month in April

April marks not only the beginning of spring in the U.S., but it is National Pecan Month is well. Pecans are a U.S. staple, and their rich, nutty flavor makes them a great addition to many recipes. There are many health benefits as well, including the following, according to WebMD:

• Loaded with vitamins and minerals
• Has a lot of protein, which can help keep you full longer
• Rich in monsaturated fats, which help reduce your risk of stroke or having a heart attack (when incorporated into a healthy diet).
• Supports those with diabetes: Pecans can help prevent heart disease for those with diabetes.
• Vitamin A, Vitamin E and zinc help ward off diseases
• Omega-3 fats help ease arthritis inflammation and pain.

Now that you know a little bit more about why pecans deserve the hype, check out these 10+ recipes that highlight this unique nut.

Recipe #1: Candied Pecans

These crunchy, salty and sweet pecans are great on their own, as an appetizer or in a trail mix. To make them, toss sugar, cinnamon and salt with a combination of egg white and water. Coat the nuts evenly with the mixture. Spread them onto a baking pan. Put them in the oven for about an hour, or until golden brown. Flip them about every 15 minutes. Then, enjoy to your heart’s content! Replace the water with vanilla for more of a flavor, or, if you like things spicy, add in a ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!

Recipe #2: Easy Pecan Pie Recipe

This old-fashioned dessert is a hit around the holidays or when the leaves first start to fall from the trees. Inspired by the South, pecans, butter, sugar, eggs and corn syrup are mixed together and placed in a pie crust. Both homemade and premade crusts work, whatever strikes your fancy. The gooey syrup filling and the buttery crust make a combination few can resist. Serve up slices at your next gathering, or make a pie to welcome the beginning of a new month.

Recipe #3: Pecan Crusted Salmon with Lemon Glaze

Call in some help from a food processor and end up with a dish that looks like it took you hours to make. That is a win-win, right? Combine panko, pecan halves, parsley leaves, salt and pepper in a food processor. Dip the salmon in the mixture. Melt butter in a skillet and cook the salmon until brown. Put it in the oven for about 10 minutes, until it flakes. Once it is done, top with the lemon glaze: a combination of honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, lemon juice and cornstarch. Serve with rice and vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans.

Recipe #4: Pecan Squares

Pecans pair easily with a classic shortbread crust. These are a wonderful gift, lunchtime snack or holiday platter addition. Make the shortbread in a food processor for a faster baking time. Add the dry ingredients before the butter and pulse until combined. Spread on a foil-lined baking sheet. Butter, honey, salt, brown sugar and vanilla can be melted on the stove while the crust bakes. Spread the filling mixture over the crust. Put it back in the oven until it bubbles and looks like caramel. Once the baking sheet is cool, cut the large bar into pieces. Store in an air-tight container before serving. Note that these are best when eaten as fresh as possible.

Recipe #5: Butter Pecan Chicken

This sweet and savory chicken cooks in one pan, which makes it simple to make and get on the table. Butter, brown sugar, honey, chicken broth, dried pecans and herbs come together to make a sweet glaze that goes over tender chicken. Toss together to keep it warm before plating it up. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes or a similar comfort food—this recipe has all the makings of a family favorite!

Recipe #6: Easy Butter Pecan Ice Cream Recipe

Thick, rich and creamy ice cream can be made without an ice cream maker. Instead, ingredients are mixed in a bowl before freezing. Besides a large enough freezer to put the mixture in, gather salted butter, pecans, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar and vanilla extract. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the pecans before sprinkling them with the sugar. Cool the pecans and whisk the cream. Then, pour in the milk and vanilla. Mix everything together before putting it in a freezer-safe container. Let it rest for at least 6 hours before scooping and enjoying it.

Recipe #7: Pecan Pie Overnight Oats

These pecan-filled oats are healthy and make for a filling breakfast, but taste similar to pecan pie. Soak old-fashioned oats with milk and vanilla extract overnight in a small container. While they set, combine pecans, with syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract and salt. Once they are done, stir in the pecan mixture and dig in.

Recipe #8: Pecan Stuffed Mushrooms

White mushroom caps are filled with pecans, onions and stuffing mix. They are exceptional as an appetizer, but also work as a side dish or as an accompaniment to a meal such as steak, crab or the butter pecan chicken recipe that is shared above. They have a homestyle flavor and are simple to mix up, which is a win-win!

Recipe #9: Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes, also called candied yams, are a breeze to get in the oven. Simply mix everything together, stick it in the oven and that is it. Butter, cloves, cinnamon, maple syrup, salt, pecans are all that is needed, but the tender flavor will help you forget that this was a simple and budget friendly recipe to make. It is a staple on holiday tables for a reason!

Recipe #10: Best Southern Pecan Pralines

All pecan pralines have butter, milk, sugar and pecans. But these are different. Salt, white and brown sugar and heavy cream help elevate its flavor. The surprising addition of baking soda makes for a tender candy, and also helps bring out the caramel and nutty flavors. Inspired by the South, this recipe can be enjoyed by people from all over.

Recipe #11: Turtle Cookies

These cookies are like the candies, but better. A creamy chocolate butter is stuffed with caramel pieces, chocolate chips and pecans. Plus, the does not need to go in the fridge before baking, which saves you time and effort! Melty and chewy, these are wonderful for holiday cookie platters, but are also fun to make and eat whenever you are craving a melty and soft cookie.

Wishing you a happy National Pecan Month!

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