Orange Candied Pecans

Here is the recipe for those Orange Candied Pecans I mentioned in my post about the Gingered Carrot Cookies.  The orange flavor is noticeable, but if you wanted to you could just leave the orange out and have a plain candied pecan.

Orange Candied Pecans
Adapted from Gale Gand's Brunch!

Makes about 2 cups

3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups whole pecans

In a large saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, water, orange zest and cinnamon and bring to a boil.  Turn the heat down to low and add the pecans, stirring constantly.  The mixture will be shiny and clear at first, then will turn opaque and crystalize as the water evaporates.  When the nuts are completely coated in the sugar crystals, after about 5 minutes, they are done.  Spread them out on a baking sheet to cool.

Snack on these or use them in cookies, on ice cream, on salads, on cereal or whatever else you can think of.

Note:  To clean your saucepan easily just let it soak in water overnight.