(Family Features) Work, social commitments, kids’ activities and the daily grind can take over schedules and wreak havoc on your opportunities to sit at the table for meals. As your calendar seems to fill up with meetings, family occasions and more, you might just find yourself skipping breakfast or lunch and opting for filling snacks instead.
In fact, according to the International Food Information Council’s 2022 Food and Health Survey, 75% of Americans snack at least once per day, which means 2023 could become the year of the snack. Whether it’s forgoing breakfast at home for a bite on the go or powering up with an afternoon morsel, one flavor favorite and nutritional powerhouse you can turn to is the pecan.
As pecans are used in an increasing number of snack innovations, they’re being hailed as the fastest growing nut in new snack applications, according to Information Resources Inc. They’re an ideal snack for punching up your routine with great taste, plant-based nutrition and an easy-to-pair profile.
Find more sweet and savory recipe inspiration at EatPecans.com.
Salty Pecan Snack Mix
Recipe courtesy of Mallory Oniki and the American Pecan Promotion Board
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 15
2 cups rice squares cereal
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened coconut
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter
2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup oyster crackers
Preheat oven to 350 F.
In bowl, add rice squares cereal, oats and unsweetened coconut.
In small saucepan over medium heat, add honey, coconut oil, cinnamon and salt. Stir until mixture starts to boil then pour over snack mix and stir until well combined.
Transfer to baking sheet and bake 8-10 minutes.
In saucepan over medium heat, add butter. Stir until butter browns then add chopped pecans and oyster crackers. Turn heat to low and stir while pecans roast.
Remove snack mix from oven and add brown butter pecan and cracker mixture; stir to combine.
Source: American Pecan Promotion Board
