Wednesday, November 3, 2010

We Have New Crop Pecans!

They're here! We have received our shipment of fresh new crop pecans from Georgia and they're only $7.99 per pound! Pecans were a little harder to come by this year, so they may go faster than usual. Don't miss out...pecans are a fall and holiday season staple, not to mention nutritionally abundant and cholesterol free. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that they may actually lower LDL cholesterol! Pecans are chock full of thiamine, copper, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, potassium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, pantothenic acid, selenium, fiber and healthy fats, as well as antioxidants. Antioxidants which can help protect against cell damage and help fight diseases like heart disease, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and cancer. Plus, they're beneficial to your immune system, prostate health and weight loss. Pecans are also extremely versatile and can be used in savory or sweet recipes; here is one that we particularly like:

Ingredients

3/4 cup raisins
3 tablespoons bourbon, such as Makers Mark
3/4 cup white basmati rice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
5 cups half-and-half, divided
1/2 cup natural sugar
1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup pure maple syrup, plus extra for serving (optional)
1/2 teaspoon natural maple flavoring
3/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the raisins and bourbon. Set aside.
Combine the rice and salt with 1 1/2 cups water in a medium heavy-bottomed stainless steel saucepan. Bring it to a boil, stir once, and simmer, covered, on the lowest heat for 8 to 9 minutes, until most of the water is absorbed. (If your stove is very hot, pull the pan halfway off the burner.)
Stir in 4 cups of half-and-half and the sugar and bring to a boil. Simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the rice is very soft and the pudding is thick. Stir often, particularly toward the end. Slowly stir in the beaten egg and continue to cook for 1 minute. Off the heat, add the remaining cup of half-and-half, the vanilla, maple syrup, maple flavoring, and the raisins with any remaining bourbon. Stir well. Pour into a bowl, and place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Cool slightly, add the pecans, and serve warm or chilled. Drizzle each serving with extra maple syrup, if desired.

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