Happy National Pecan Day!

April 14th is National Pecan Day!

Why Celebrate?

When facing this holiday, the first thing that I’d like to address is the proper pronunciation of “pecan”. Personally, I go back and forth between pee-kahn and pee-can. According to an interesting dialect survey that I found, where I live (in the western U.S.), pee-kahn seems to be the most popular way to pronounce the name of this tasty snack. However you choose to say it, pecans are an excellent source of manganese, and also a good source of protein and unsaturated fats. Much like walnuts, pecans are rich in omega-6 fatty acids as well! I know that pecans are commonly viewed as a nut, but technically they are a “drupe”, a fruit with a single stone or pit, surrounded by a husk. Pecans come from a tree of the hickory genus, and these trees are native to south-central North America, Mexico, and southern United States.

Now let’s get to the tasty part. When I think of pecans, I think of that sweet and savory flavor that is so unique. I think of pecan pie, pumpkin pecan muffins, candied pecans, toasted pecans, roasted pecans… Oh and there’s pecan pralines. Yiiiikes. (And I mean that in a good way!) There are just so many tasty treats that you can enjoy that contain the beautiful, delectable little pecan.

How to Celebrate

Channel your inner southern belle and make a recipe with pecans tonight. There are so many choices, but I’ve found a list for you that narrows it down to 16.

Video of the Day

Watch Kathryn show you how to make a super simple and delicious recipe for candied pecans!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4jyG4T-ICM?feature=oembed

Featured image via ShutterStock