Candied Orange Pecan Delights
Indulge yourself with these Candied Orange Pecan Delights, a delightful treat that perfectly balances the rich nuttiness of pecans with the bright, zesty flavors of orange. Ideal for special occasions or as a delightful snack, these sweet morsels are beautifully coated in a luscious orange syrup, promising to be a hit at parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoyed at home. Share them with friends and family or keep them all to yourself - they're that good!
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
1 1/2 cups (Granulated)
Water
1/4 cup (Room temperature)
Orange Juice Concentrate
3 tablespoons (Thawed)
Pecan Halves
2 cups (Raw)
Orange Zest
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly grated)
Instructions
1
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and orange juice concentrate over medium-high heat.
2
Cook the mixture without stirring until it reaches a soft ball stage at 238°F (114°C) on a candy thermometer. This may take several minutes, so keep a close watch.
3
Once the desired temperature is reached, carefully remove the pan from the heat.
4
Stir in the pecan halves and orange zest until the nuts are thoroughly coated with the syrup mixture.
5
Using a wooden spoon, beat the mixture for about 2 minutes, or until it thickens and loses its glossy appearance.
6
Spoon the mixture onto sheets of waxed paper, letting them cool and harden for approximately 30 minutes.
7
Once fully set, store the candied pecans in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
60g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Candied Orange Pecan Delights?
They are a sweet and zesty snack made by coating raw pecan halves in a syrup made from sugar, water, and orange juice concentrate.
What are the primary flavors of this recipe?
The recipe features a balance of rich, buttery pecan nuttiness with the bright and zesty flavor of orange.
How many ingredients are needed for Candied Orange Pecan Delights?
There are 5 ingredients: sugar, water, orange juice concentrate, pecan halves, and orange zest.
What type of sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
To what temperature should the syrup be cooked?
The mixture must reach the soft ball stage, which is exactly 238°F (114°C) on a candy thermometer.
What is the soft ball stage in candy making?
The soft ball stage occurs at 238°F and is the point where a drop of syrup forms a soft, flexible ball when placed in cold water.
Do I need to stir the sugar mixture while it boils?
No, you should cook the sugar, water, and orange juice concentrate without stirring until it reaches the required temperature.
How long should the pecans cool before they are ready?
The pecans should be allowed to cool and harden on waxed paper for approximately 30 minutes.
What is the best way to store these candied pecans?
To maintain their freshness and crunch, store the finished pecans in an airtight container.
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of concentrate?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of thawed orange juice concentrate for a more concentrated and intense orange flavor.
What kind of pecans should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of raw pecan halves.
Why do I need to beat the mixture for 2 minutes?
Beating the mixture after adding the nuts helps the syrup thicken and lose its glossy appearance, creating the traditional candied texture.
Is a specific type of pan recommended?
Yes, a heavy-bottomed saucepan is recommended to ensure even heating and to prevent the sugar from burning.
How much orange zest is required?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest.
What are the nutritional calories for this treat?
The recipe contains approximately 450 calories per serving.
How much fat is in Candied Orange Pecan Delights?
There are 22.5 grams of fat per serving, mostly coming from the pecans.
What is the carbohydrate content of this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates.
Is there any protein in these candied pecans?
Yes, there is a small amount of protein, approximately 2 grams per serving.
Are these pecans suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are plant-based or sugar-based, making them suitable for vegetarians.
Can I use parchment paper if I don't have waxed paper?
Yes, parchment paper can be used as a non-stick surface for cooling the pecans.
What occasions are these pecans best for?
They are perfect for special occasions, holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a homemade gift.
Should the orange juice concentrate be frozen when added?
No, the orange juice concentrate should be thawed before you begin the recipe.
What should the water temperature be at the start?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 cup of room temperature water.
How do I know when the pecans are ready to be stored?
They are ready once they are fully set, hardened, and completely cool to the touch.
Do these pecans contain any cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients list, this recipe contains no cholesterol.
What tool should I use to beat the mixture?
A wooden spoon is recommended for beating the mixture once the pecans are added.
Can I use bottled zest instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled zest if fresh oranges are unavailable.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, though it requires precision with the syrup temperature.
What category of food does this fall into?
It is categorized as a sweet treat, snack, dessert, or party food.
How should I drop the mixture onto the paper?
You should use a spoon to drop small clusters of the mixture onto the waxed paper.