Easy Pecan Logs
Easy Pecan Logs Recipe - Enjoy a Delicious American Classic
Introduction
Pecan logs are a classic sweet treat that are perfect for the holiday season or any time you're craving something indulgent. These delicious confections are made with a rich caramel coating and crunchy pecans, making them a favorite among many dessert lovers.
History
The origins of pecan logs are a bit unclear, but they are believed to have been popularized in the Southern United States. Pecans are a staple ingredient in Southern cuisine, and their sweet and nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the rich caramel in this recipe.
Ingredients
- 0.33 cup of clear syrup
- 0.5 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 3.5 cups (1 lb or 454 g) of powdered sugar
- 2 lb or 907 g of caramels
- 1 small can of evaporated milk
- 2 lb or 907 g of chopped pecans
How to prepare
- In a mixing bowl, blend butter, syrup, salt, and vanilla.
- Add powdered sugar all at once and mix well using hands, similar to making pie dough, until smooth.
- Shape the mixture into log centers that are about 1 inch in diameter and 4-6 inches long. Freeze them overnight.
- Using a double boiler, melt caramels and gradually add a small amount of evaporated milk until the mixture reaches a dipping consistency. It should flow smoothly off a spoon, but slowly.
- Dip the frozen centers into the melted caramel, ensuring they are completely covered.
- Quickly roll the logs in chopped pecans.
- Place the coated logs on waxed paper to set into shape.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the pecans for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the pecan logs for an extra decadent touch.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to freeze the log centers before dipping them in the caramel to ensure they hold their shape.
- Use a double boiler to melt the caramels slowly and evenly, being careful not to overheat them.
- Work quickly when dipping the frozen centers in the caramel and rolling them in pecans to ensure a smooth and even coating.
Serving Suggestions
Pecan logs are perfect for serving as a dessert at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet treat for yourself.
Cooking Techniques
Use a double boiler to melt the caramels slowly and evenly.
- Freeze the log centers before dipping them in the caramel to ensure they hold their shape.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different flavor profile.
- If you don't have clear syrup, you can use corn syrup as a substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the log centers in advance and freeze them until you're ready to dip them in the caramel and pecans.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the pecan logs on a decorative platter and garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pecan logs pair well with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delicious and satisfying treat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover pecan logs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of pecan logs contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of pecan logs contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of pecan logs contains approximately 15 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of pecan logs contains approximately 2 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Pecans are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc, which are important for overall health and well-being.
Alergens
This recipe contains nuts (pecans) and dairy (butter, evaporated milk), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.
Summary
Pecan logs are a delicious and indulgent treat that are high in carbohydrates and fats, but also contain important vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Pecan logs are a delicious and indulgent treat that are perfect for the holiday season or any time you're craving something sweet. With a rich caramel coating and crunchy pecans, these sweet treats are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Easy Pecan Logs. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Martha who lived in a quaint little cottage on the outskirts of town. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most delicious aroma of roasted pecans and sweet vanilla.
Martha was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of melted butter and brown sugar. She smiled warmly at me and said, "I'm making my famous Pecan Logs. Would you like to help me?" I eagerly agreed and she handed me a wooden spoon to stir the mixture.
As we worked together, Martha explained to me that the recipe had been passed down in her family for generations. She had learned it from her own grandmother who had learned it from her grandmother before her. The secret, she said, was in the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.
After the mixture had thickened and cooled slightly, Martha showed me how to form the dough into long, log-shaped rolls. She then rolled them in crushed pecans and placed them on a baking sheet to set. The whole process was surprisingly simple and the end result was absolutely delicious.
As we sat down to enjoy our Pecan Logs with a cup of tea, Martha shared with me some of her fondest memories of baking with her grandmother. She told me how they would spend hours in the kitchen together, laughing and chatting as they worked on their favorite recipes.
I left Martha's cottage that day with a full stomach and a heart full of joy. The recipe for Easy Pecan Logs had not only filled my belly but also warmed my soul. From that day on, it became a staple in my own collection of recipes, a beloved treat that I would make for my family and friends on special occasions.
Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of rum to make it my own. But the essence of the recipe, the simplicity and warmth that it brings, remains unchanged.
I have shared the recipe for Easy Pecan Logs with many people over the years, passing it on to friends and neighbors who have marveled at its deliciousness. And as I watch them enjoy each bite, I can't help but think of Martha and her grandmother, two women who have left an indelible mark on my life through this simple recipe.
So whenever I make a batch of Easy Pecan Logs, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past, to bring us together in joy and laughter. And I am grateful for the gift that Martha gave me that day, a gift that keeps on giving with each sweet and nutty bite.
Categories
| American Recipes | Candy Recipes | Caramels Recipes | Corn Syrup Recipes | Pecan Recipes | World Recipes |