Pecans are a versatile supernut that can super-fy your snacks by making them more nutritious and delicious. Today I shared their incredible benefits and unique ways to enjoy them on CBS WTOC-TV’s Morning Break!
Pecan Nutrition
Pecans are America’s native original supernut. In each 1 oz. serving of pecans, you get 3g of plant-based protein, fiber, minerals and good fats, including 18 g unsaturated fat and only 2 g saturated fat. They bring a naturally sweet, buttery flavor and crunch to any snack – from homemade trail mixes and granola bars to muffins and yogurt. Today, I made three snack recipes using pecans that are also great for getting kids in the kitchen to include in “snacktivities”.
Honey Ginger Pecan Snack Mix
First up we have a honey ginger pecan snack mix that marries savory and sweet. Start by whisking together an egg white with 2 tbsp honey and a pinch of ginger and salt. Next, fold in 1 1/2 cups of pecan halves to coat. Spread evenly on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake for 40 to 45 minutes at 275 F or until the pecans are nicely toasted, stirring occasionally. Finally, toss together with 1 cup of dried pineapple and 3/4 cup each of coconut flakes and banana chips. In order to maintain the freshness and flavor of pecans for up to six months, you want to store them in an airtight container in the fridge and they should be a golden brown color. Get the recipe here.
Honey Pecan Berry Yogurt Parfait
Next we have a nutritious 5-minute protein-packed snack idea. To make this Honey Pecan Berry Yogurt Parfait, start by adding 4 ounces of plain nonfat Greek yogurt to a jar. Then top with 1/4 cup in season berries, 2 tbsp of pecan pieces and a tbsp of honey. Repeat again to create a second layer. Research suggests that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as pecans, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. Get the full recipe here.
Chocolate Banana Pops
Finally, we have my favorite 3-ingredient summer snack recipe – chocolate banana pops! Start by adding banana halves to popsicle sticks. Dip each into melted chocolate followed by chopped pecans, which add nutrient-dense crunch. Place your pops on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 4 hours. Get the full recipe here.
I hope you learned a little more about pecans and the unique ways to snack on them. For all these recipes and more, and to learn about the health benefits of pecans you can visit AmericanPecan.com and my website
