9 Delectably Sweet and Savory Dishes Featuring Pecans

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Photo credit: Rachael Ray Show Aired April 14, 2016

Pecans are a classic American crop, and can be used in so many ways, from side dishes, to main course, to dessert! Read on for nine mouthwatering dishes featuring pecans.

No. 1: Jeff Mauro's Pecan Praline Thrice Baked Sweet Potatoes

Rachael Ray Show

This dish is super easy and amazingly delicious! Jeff just microwaves the sweet potatoes, scoops out the inside, mixes with an egg, then refills the potato “boats.” He then tops with a pecan praline topping and puts it back in the oven to finish. When it’s done, he tops with rounds of homemade maple chili compound butter. Amazing!

No. 2: Kelsey Nixon’s Banana Chocolate Chip Quinoa Cookies

Rachael Ray Show

This delish and nutrish recipe starts with protein-rich quinoa, adding in heart-healthy oats, potassium-rich bananas and good fat-laden coconut and pecans, to result in a treat that packs a healthy punch!

No. 3: Glazed Carrots with Pecans and Nutmeg

Rachael Ray Show

Michael sautees sliced carrots in olive oil and butter, then adds chopped pecans, brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon. Finish with lemon juice and parsley – yum!

Tip: Michael uses good quality thinner organic carrots and just washes the skins instead of peeling them!

No. 4: Zooey Deschanel's Mom's Pecan Pie

Rachael Ray Show

Zooey Deschanel’s family recipe for a classic Southern treat is heavy on the pecans and features a drizzle of molasses on top.

No. 5: Kelsey Nixon’s Skillet Candied Sweet Potatoes with Toasted Pecans

Rachael Ray Show

This recipe couldn’t be easier – it’s really a “set it and forget it” method. Kelsey melts a stick of butter in the bottom of a heavy-bottomed pot, then adds sweet potato rounds sliced to about 1/3 inch thick. She mixes in a combination of brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, then covers with a tight-fitting lid and cooks for an hour. When they’re done cooking, add a dash of vanilla and stir. Top with toasted pecans before serving. That’s it!

Tip: If your sweet potatoes break down too much for your liking, these are also excellent served mashed.

No. 6: Grant’s Pumpkin-Pecan Pie

Rachael Ray Show

Can’t decide between pumpkin and pecan pie? You don’t have to! Our always-clever dessert guru Grant came up with this ingenious way to marry the two classic desserts.

No. 7: John McLemore's Honey-Glazed, Roasted Pecan Deep-Fried Turkey Breast

Rachael Ray Show

This decadent turkey breast couldn’t be more enticing. Start by injecting a turkey breast with chicken broth, then deep fry according to your fryer’s instructions. Then, make a glaze of roasted pecans, honey and butter and pour it over your breast on a serving platter.

No. 8: Emeril Lagasse’s Cheddar, Bacon, Apple, and Pecan Spoonbread

Rachael Ray Show

This fluffy savory corn pudding featuring cheddar, bacon, apple and pecans is the perfect accompaniment to a celebratory meal.

No. 9: Slow-Cooker Pecan Pie

Rachael Ray Show

For our third take on a pecan pie, Kelsey Nixon cooks her pecan pie in a crockpot – ingenious when you’re feeding a crowd and need the oven for another dish!

What’s your favorite recipe that features pecans? Share below, and watch how easy Kelsey Nixon’s sweet potato recipe is:

Free Up Your Oven Space with Skillet Sweet Potatoes

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