Sweet & Spicy Candied Pecans  with Bourbon Cherries

Made with bourbon, dried cherries, orange zest and spices, these glazed candied pecans taste like an old fashioned cocktail with a spicy, peppery kick.

They're the perfect snack for a Kentucky Derby party. Or serve the glazed nuts on salads, baked brie or with cream cheese as an easy party appetizer.

Ingredients   ¼ cup bourbon ¼ cup dried cherries  ½ tsp. vanilla bean paste  1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. kosher salt ⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper 2 TBS brown sugar 2 TBS unsalted butter 2 cups pecan halves 1 TBS orange zest

Soak the dried cherries in bourbon for 30 minutes.

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Prepare the cherries.

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In a nonstick pan over medium-low heat, toast the pecans for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently.

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Toast the nuts.

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Add the butter to the pan. Stir until butter is completely melted and the pecans are coated.

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Coat with butter.

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Combine cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt and vanilla bean paste in a bowl.  Add spices and brown sugar to the pan and stir.

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Add spices & sugar.

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Remove from heat. Stir in bourbon and cherries.  Return pan to the burner and cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly, until a thick glaze forms.

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Add cherries.

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Transfer nuts to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer to cool and harden.

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Allow to cool.

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Once cool, sprinkle orange zest over the glazed pecans just before serving them.

Garnish & serve.

More Recipes for the Kentucky Derby 

Classic Mint Julep

Benedictine Spread Cucumber Sandwiches

Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie

More Kentucky Derby Party Recipes

 Kentucky Derby Cocktail Recipes

Click the link below for the printable recipe card and recipe video for Sweet & Spicy Candied Pecans with Bourbon Cherries.