Pecans are versatile ingredients in the kitchen, and their high levels of vitamins and minerals make for a wholesome addition to any meal. Since they’re also high in protein and healthy fats, they make for an excellent base to build vegetarian snacks, entrees and desserts on. Chow down on these treats any time of the day to get a burst of energy that will keep you going strong through work or play!
Dark Chocolate Pecan Avocado Muffins
Muffins are a great whole-grain way to start the day, and quick to make the night before for those grueling early mornings. This recipe combines these powers with pecans, avocado and dark chocolate to make for a high-antioxidant treat in the morning.
- Combine 1/2 cup of melted dark chocolate chips with 1/3 cup olive oil, 3/4 cup soy milk, 1 cup of agave syrup, and 1 ripe avocado and puree until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients: 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour, 1/3 cup of toasted and chopped pecans, and 1 tsp. each of baking soda and baking powder.
- Spoon mixture into 12 muffin cups and bake for 30-35 minutes on 325°.
- Enjoy with a steaming cup of black coffee and a kick-started attitude.
Maple Pecan Coconut Butter
For weekenders with a bit more time, pancakes can be a perfect breakfast. If you make whole-grain or sweet potato versions, you can even make them healthy (or at least as “healthy” as pancakes can be). But what do you add if you want something a little less sugary than syrup? This Paleo recipe offers an easy pecan butter to go with their pancakes.
Just mix three tablespoons each of coconut butter and chopped toasted pecans, two tablespoons maple syrup and one teaspoon of cinnamon evenly and you’re done! You can blend it in a food processor for a smoother consistency or leave it chunky for a nice contrast to the fluffy pancakes.
Gluten-Free Mushroom Pecan Squares
Pecans are ideal for bulking up appetizers and lunches that are big on flavors and low in calories. This simple recipe takes gluten-free flour and whisks in mushrooms, cheese and toasted pecans to make a great finger food appetizer for friends and family.
Begin by sautéing two medium onions and an 8-oz container of mushrooms for about five minutes. Drain and add to a medium baking pan.
Add two cups shredded Swiss cheese, one cup of toasted pecans, and one box of thawed frozen spinach.
Whisk three eggs, 1 1/3 cups milk, 3/4 cup gluten-free flour such as chickpea or rice flour, and 1 teaspoon each salt and garlic powder until blended, then add this to the pan.
Bake pan for 25-30 minutes at 350° F and cool for another 30. Cut into squares and serve.
Spiced Pecans
Sometimes, the best things in life are just the simplest. Spiced pecans are a sweet and spicy take on a mid-day snack.
To make this healthy treat, start by placing 4 cups of pecans into a large skillet and toasting for 10 minutes over a medium-low heat, stirring often. In the microwave, melt 6 tablespoons of butter, then add 1 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. of chili powder and honey to taste.
Pour the topping over the pecans and coat all the pecans evenly. Bake the pecans at 325° for 20 minutes, but stir occasionally to make sure it’s all drying evenly. Then just let them cool and package into clear plastic bags or an airtight tin. Don’t forget to sneak a few for yourself before presenting them as a home-style appetizer or handmade gift.