Little Nut

Since moving to Kansas I've become rather fond of the humble pecan. I think Kansas and Missouri pecans have the best flavor, though they are not too readily available.

Compared to walnuts and hazelnuts (filberts) pecans are sweeter and without bitterness. Their texture is chewy, without being too hard, or dry. I love them on top of my breakfast cereal. They are also great in Greek honey yogurt. I put them in spinach salad with sweetened cranberries and blue cheese, or brie. Let's not forget pecan pie!

My first experience with a store-bought pecan pie put me off them for years. All I remember is a sweet, sticky, corn syrupy concoction. Ugh! Then one day my best friend made pecan pie for Thanksgiving. I've never looked back :)