Bourbon Pecans

Alan in SW Florida's Note:

Enjoy these during the holidays or anytime at all. These nuts could easily be put into airtight jars and given as gifts.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 8

Yield: 4.5 cups

• ½ cup top-quality Bourbon
• 1 lb pecan halves
• 1 tablespoon corn oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon Angostura bitters
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon cayenne (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Simmer the bourbon in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced by a quarter, just a few minutes. Blanch the pecans in boiling water for 1 minute ( blanching the pecans in boiling water is an old Chinese trick that makes them especially crisp), then drain.
2. Combine the bourbon, oil, Worcestershire sauce, bitters, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the HOT pecans and toss. Let stand for 10 minutes.
3. Spread the pecans in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake until the nuts are crisp and the liquid has evaporated, 30 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Turn the nuts into a clean bowl.
4. Combine the cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Toss with the nuts and serve.