When fall comes around I want all of the sweet-warm-gooey autumnal foods because everything tastes so much better in the fall, in my opinion. This week I really wanted to make something sweet and crunchy. I originally thought about exploring some pecan sandies or another granola recipe but then I had a quick moment reminiscing about the best candied pecans I’d ever had. Back home in Rochester NY, there is a guy who vends at the Rochester Public Market who makes and sells some of the best candy coated nuts. The candy coating isn’t too sweet, it’s not too thick, it lays on the pecan just right making sure every bite is tender yet crunchy. That one mental trip back home led me straight to Wegmans (another Rochester favorite) to grab a few ingredients for my homemade candied pecans.

Aside from these being the ultimate healthy-ish snack, they are very easy to make and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. The only thing I had to run out and grab were the pecans and I stocked up on vanilla extract because, holidays!

So because I love layered levels of flavor I added my number one fall favorite spice – CARDAMOM!!! I love cardamom with anything maple, cinnamon, nutmeg; it really brightens up the flavors and adds a beautiful balanced citrus tang. If you want those flavors then I definitely suggest you get your cardamom on and a little goes a long way.

What is Cardamom?

Cardamom is a spice made from the seed pods of various plants in the ginger family. It has a strong, sweet, pungent flavor and aroma, with hints of lemon and mint. There are two main types of cardamom: black cardamom and green cardamom. Green cardamom is known as true cardamom. This is the most common variety you will see sold in grocery stores and it is best for sweet dishes but also works well in savory dishes.

Black cardamom has larger pods that are dark brown. It has a smoky element that makes it more appropriate for savory dishes.

So basically, the vanilla + cinnamon + brown sugar + cardamom + pecan = A GOOD TIME!!

What to do with Candied Pecans?

Well the most basic and preferred way is to throw them in a pretty bowl and eat them a few at a time with a side of white wine or coffee. But here are some other ways to enjoy your pecans:

In a strawberry pecan salad
Yogurt & Granola
Crushed on top of peanut butter and apples
In a pie
Cookies
Gift them and give away during the holidays

Most of all, enjoy them and I’ll warn you…they are highly addictive!