Bourbon Old-Fashioned Glazed Pecans

Submitted by DrGaellon

"These are supposed to evoke the flavors of an Old-Fashioned (sugar, bitters, and bourbon, garnished with a maraschino cherry). Adapted from a recipe at Serious Eats."

 

• Ready In: 15mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Yields: 2 cups
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup Bourbon
• 1⁄4 cup dried cherries
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1⁄8 - 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne
• 2 cups raw pecan halves
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 small orange)

directions

1. Combine bourbon and dried cherries. Set aside to soak at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. Combine brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir until well-combined.
3. Toast pecans in large non-stick skillet over medium heat until browned and just beginning to smell toasted, 3-4 minutes. Stir and shake frequently to prevent burning. Add butter to pan. Stir and toss until completely melted and pecans are thoroughly coated.
4. Add sugar and spice mixture; stir and toss until pecans are evenly coated. Turn off heat and add cherry/bourbon mixture. Stir, off-heat, 1-2 minutes, until everything is well combined.
5. Return pan to medium heat; stir constantly until liquid thickens and pecans are thoroughly glazed and shiny, 1-2 minutes. Spread mixture in one layer onto parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet, separating nuts so they don't stick together. Allow to cool completely. Sprinkle nuts with orange zest. Transfer to a bowl and serve.