Candied Pecans


These candied pecans are simple, comforting, and one of those recipes that makes the house smell like the holidays almost instantly. I sometimes make them for the stocking exchange at work or give them as little extra gifts for everyone. They’re perfect for snacking, gifting, or tossing on a salad when you want something a little special without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg white
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 4 cups pecan halves

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 300° and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set it aside.

In a larger bowl, whisk the egg white, vanilla, and water until it’s nice and frothy. Add the pecans and toss until they’re all coated.

Pour the sugar mixture over the pecans and gently stir until everything is evenly covered. Spread the pecans out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 30 minutes, giving them a good stir every 10 minutes so they don’t stick or burn. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool completely on the pan—this is when they crisp up.

When fully cooled, store them in an airtight container.

Storage Tips

  • On the counter: up to 10 days
  • In the refrigerator: up to 2 weeks
  • In the freezer: up to 2 months

Nutrient Facts (Approximate per 1/4 cup serving):

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Sodium: 25mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 9g
  • Protein: 5g

Nutrient values can vary based on the specific nuts used and the exact measurements of ingredients.

Craylees in Utica, NY


Another great place to grab some breakfast. Craylees is located at 237 Bleeker Street, Utica, NY. There’s nothing better than homemade sausage links, fresh eggs, and bakery made Italian bread, toasted.

Good food is the answer to everything.

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas


So here is another quick and easy recipe for you to try. I love Mexican food. It’s so hearty and cheesy, love it! I always say add your seasonings little by little and taste test. There are a set of basic ingredients that you can build off of so don’t be afraid to try and make your own creation. Trust me I have screwed up plenty of times until I mastered exactly the way I wanted it.

Filling

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great also)
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1 – 8 oz can of green enchilada sauce
  • 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup of sour cream
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • Seasonings

For the Green Chili Sauce:

  • 1 – 8 oz can of green enchilada sauce
  • 1 – 4 oz can of diced green chilis
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 tsp of seasoning such as cumin, taco seasoning etc., I use Cilantro and Lime Seasoning that I got from the Dollar Tree and it is absolutely amazing. Shown in picture

8 – 10 either corn tortillas or regular flour tortillas

Okay so let’s do the obvious now. Spray the bottom of your 9 x 13 or 8. x 8 baking pan. Stuff your tortillas with one or two scoops of the filling. It depends on the size of the tortilla. Repeat and fill your pan. Cover with the enchilada sauce and generously sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese on-top.

Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 15 – 20 minutes. After they’re melted and bubbly I usually turn on the broiler for 5 minutes to give it that crispy cheesy topping.

I hope you enjoy these!

Chaffle What??


Okay so tonight I decided to break out the old chaffle maker that I bought about 2 years ago but never used. No clue why but better late then never right?

You can literally have these made in under 12 minutes flat. They’re ridiculously easy.

Chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheddar cheese chaffle

  • 1 cup of shredded chicken or 1 can
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder (makes it fluffy)
  • 1 cup of cheddar cheese
  • 2 pieces of crumbled bacon
  • 1/4 cup of onion sliced thin
  • powdered ranch seasoning 1 table spoon
  • salt, pepper, onion powder

Instructions

  1. Mix all your ingredients
  2. Spray your chaffle maker with oil, butter, etc. I use Can’t believe It’s Not Butter Spray
  3. Put 1 – 2 scoops of the mixture on the chaffle maker but don’t over load

Don’t be afraid to add additional seasonings! I always play around with my ingredients until I get it right. Start with small portions when experimenting.

All the recipes had to start from somewhere right? Be creative and do your own thing.

Nutrition Facts

250 cal, 18g, protein, 15g fat, 3 carbs, .5g fiber