My Blog

Tag: pecans

  • Pecans by Karen

    Pecans by Karen

    Say Hi to Karen!

    About Pecans by Karen

    In 1990 my husband and I began making homemade candied pecans as holiday gifts for our extended family. Soon our three boys joined us. We all looked forward to the sweet aroma that filled the house every Christmas as we prepared our tried and true recipe for others. The overwhelming joy of those receiving our pecans kept the tradition going for 26 years. Then the unexpected happened. We never intended to begin a family business, but Pecans by Karen was born out of tragedy.

    Eighteen days after high school graduation, our son Jacob landed badly in a foam pit at a trampoline park. He broke his neck, averting paralysis by millimeters. He had an amazing medical staff, as well as family, friends, and a wonderful community surrounding him. He decided to defer his college plans a year, while taking the necessary six months to heal. He then contacted Global Baseball and NEXTLVL Sports Institute regarding mission opportunities. He needed to raise funds before heading to Atlanta with NEXTLVL Sports Institute as an intern. That’s when the idea hit us – he could sell our much loved family pecans! They were a hit!! Soon others were giving our gift to the special people in their own lives.

    Due to his success, Jacob’s customers asked him if he’d be selling pecans next Christmas. He responded, “That’d be cool, but I’m planning to be in college next fall.” My husband and I thought, “Hey, we’re going to have three kids in college soon – how about giving this a go as a business?” And so began Pecans by Karen. We now share our family gift- giving tradition with you in the hope you’ll share it with others.


    Shop Local, Win Prizes

    Get your FREE Don’t Buy Food From Strangers Loyalty Punch Card at the GOFM Info booth to learn more!

  • Mini Pecan Pies

    Mini Pecan Pies

    Servings: 2 Serving Size: 1 mini pie

    Ingredients

    Crust:

    • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

    • 1/8 tsp salt

    • 1 tbsp shortening

    • 1 tbsp cold butter

    • 1 tsp cold water

    Pie Filling:

    • 1/2 cup pecans slightly chopped

    • 1 egg beaten

    • 1/8 cup sugar

    • 1 tbsp melted butter

    • 1/3 cup corn syrup

    • 1/8 tsp cinnamon

    • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

     Mini Pecan Pies
    Mini Pecan Pies

    Directions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

    For the Crust:

    1. In a bowl, combine flour and salt.

    2. Press in shortening and butter with a pastry blender or fork until crumbly.

    3. Add water, stirring with a fork until a ball forms.

    4. Cut dough in half and roll out pastries into two even circles.

    5. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of 2 small ramekin dishes.

    For the Filling:

    1. In a medium bowl, whisk together beaten egg, sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.

    2. Place pecans into the bottom of the two pie crusts.

    3. Pour filling on top of pecans, divided evenly. Add a few more pecans to the tops if desired.

    4. Place two ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the middle of the pie is mostly set and not too wiggly. The center will puff up a bit.

    5. Allow to cool 5-10 minutes before serving.


    Recipe by zonacooks.com. Prepared by Jordan Reinken December 2020. UTMB Dietetic Intern Fall 2020. 

    Nutrition facts: serving size: 1 mini pie calories: 655, total fat: 39 grams, carbohydrates: 74 grams, dietary fiber: 3 grams, protein: 8 grams