Since Jane and I moved back into the old house, I’ve come to realize that family traditions mean a whole lot more than they used to, no matter how large or small. I’m going to share this small tradition that everyone in the Windham family has come to expect during the holidays. It’s how my mother, Sarah Windham, prepared pecans.
Every Thanksgiving and Christmas at Windham’s Crossroads, a dish of these pecans was never more than a step or two away. If you’d like to prepare some pecans like my mother did, then here’s how she did it.
First, you are going to need some fresh, good quality pecan halves. We are lucky in that our house is surrounded by pecan trees shown in this previous post. Don’t even think about getting the ones in the baking isle of the grocery store. Get them fresh in the produce department. We used 4 cups today.
Next you are going to need 2 sticks of butter.
I usually get pretty sloppy when I’m in the kitchen, so I borrowed Jane’s apron!
Melt the butter in a frying pan on medium heat. My mother always used this skillet. Take care not to burn the butter.
Now pour your pecans in the melted butter. Everybody knows how pecans are good for your health. Every nutritionist will tell you that. So we’ll negate all that by drenching the pecans in all that butter. We don’t want to be too healthy, do we?
When the pecans are thoroughly coated with butter, add a few pinches of salt.
Next, pour the pecans into a jellyroll pan and bake at 225 degrees for a little over an hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels when done.
Why don’t you put out a dish of these during the holiday and see how fast they disappear.
It’s never too late to start a family tradition.
Live from Windham’s Crossroads,
Leo
Robyn says
December 20, 2011 at 5:49 amI made these and shared as gifts with my neighbors! What a hit! thanks for sharing. Need to make another batch to keep!!! Merry Christmas to the Windham’s!
Helen says
November 28, 2011 at 8:59 amThanks, Leo, for sharing that great recipe. I have a hard time using them in a recipe….love them out of the shell. LOL! I’m saving the recipe!
Jess says
November 27, 2011 at 8:02 pmWhat a perfect post… I’ve been wondering what to do with all the millions of pecans I have sitting out back… I’ve given away as many as I can I think, before people start avoiding me.
anita says
November 27, 2011 at 6:06 pmOh those pecans look sooo delicious!!
Dolly says
November 27, 2011 at 3:16 pmLove it! This is how my family made them too….glad you posted can’t wait to make them myself…
sue says
November 26, 2011 at 10:36 amlook so yummy! I will be adding these to my table as well this year…thanks for sharing Leo!
Cindy says
November 25, 2011 at 10:49 pmLooks wonderful! I have never done this, will have to give it a try…thanks Leo!!!
debbie says
November 25, 2011 at 9:40 pmHi Jane! Funny you should post this. just the other day my husband and son came home with fresh pecans. That night we got out the nutcracker pulled up a recipe and made them. We did them in the oven, they were soo soo good! I love your way too and will have to try it.
Ann says
November 25, 2011 at 5:26 pmMy husband’s grandmother always made these for the holidays. She has passed away and we haven’t had them in years. Maybe I’ll just have to make some this year. Thank you so much for sharing. Tell your wife I said hello!
Susan in SC says
November 24, 2011 at 6:55 pmLeo – this sounds really good. I would say that I would make these but I am afraid the pecans would not last enough at this house to make the recipe!
Lavender Dreams says
November 23, 2011 at 7:45 pmOh, how I love pecans! We always stop in Georgia and buy pecans at a pecan packing plant….so fresh and good! Happy Thanksgiving my friend! ♥
Vickie says
November 23, 2011 at 7:35 pmThis recipe sounds delicious! How could it not be with all that butter. I have a recipe where I boil the pecans for 1 minute, drain and add sugar then fry, drin and sprinkle with salt. They are yummy too!
classic • casual • home says
November 23, 2011 at 7:12 pmHA! I totally want to make these!
Lynn @thevintagenest says
November 23, 2011 at 3:19 pmHey Leo! This is a great post. My youngest son would be in heaven with this recipe. He loves pecans. He was home this past weekend and I made his favorite holiday snack. Chex Party mix except I only add rice chex and lots of nuts, and I mean lots of nuts, and extra pecans. He ate the whole thing in two nights. My Mom has paper pecan trees but she didn’t get many this year. When we were kids we loved to run around in the Fall and pick up the pecans from the yard. Dad made a long pole with a vienna sausage can on the end for picking up the pecans. Thanks for the memories and you two have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I don’t have any pecans but I am serving my guest nuts tomorrow. That’s my only appetizer for the crowd that’s coming. A big ol’ basket of fresh unshelled peanuts. I figure it will keep everybody busy until the feast is served.
Ginger says
November 23, 2011 at 2:45 pmThanks Leo, Love Mom’s recipe. You are da man for sharing. Happy Thanksgiving. Ginger
Pat@Back Porch Musings says
November 23, 2011 at 10:30 amThese look wonderful, Leo!
Happy Thankgiving!
Shirley says
November 23, 2011 at 9:30 amLeo, me fascina la receta, muy práctica también, claro que la pondré en práctica. Te ves muy bien con el delantal de Jane. Saludos desde C.R.
Terri says
November 23, 2011 at 8:18 amYummy!!! Thank you for another NEW recipe!!! this one is absolutely going to the holiday “munch” table this year!!!!! I love pecans (OH …. and what could a little butter hurt???) lol…… Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to you and your family!!!! Terri