Candied Bourbon Pecans

Makes 1 cup 

• 1 cup raw pecans

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon bourbon

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and spread nuts in an even layer. Bake, tossing nuts occasionally until fragrant, about 7 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring bourbon, butter, sugar, and salt to boil in a small saucepan over medium heat and simmer gently for 1 minute, stirring continually. Add toasted nuts to saucepan and cook on medium heat until nuts are caramelized about 4 minutes. Transfer nuts back onto a baking sheet to cool. Once cool, roughly chop.

Quick and Easy Microwave Method

Place pecans in a microwave-safe bowl and toast for 2-3 minutes tossing every 30 seconds or so until the pecans begin to darken and smell fragrant.  

Add the brown sugar, bourbon, butter, and salt to the bowl and microwave for about 20 seconds, or just until butter is melted. 

Transfer the pecans and all the buttery coating onto a parchment-lined plate. Spread them out so they are on one layer. Microwave for 2 ½ - 3 minutes, or until the pecans are mahogany brown.  Let them cool on the plate until crispy.