Bourbon Pecans

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup top-quality bourbon
• 1 lb pecan halves
• 1 tablespoon corn oil
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Angostura bitters
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Simmer the bourbon in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced by a quarter, just a few minutes. Blanch the pecans in boiling water for 1 minute ( blanching the pecans in boiling water is an old Chinese trick that makes them especially crisp), then drain.

2. 2

   Combine the bourbon, oil, Worcestershire sauce, bitters, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the HOT pecans and toss. Let stand for 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Spread the pecans in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake until the nuts are crisp and the liquid has evaporated, 30 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Turn the nuts into a clean bowl.

4. 4

   Combine the cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Toss with the nuts and serve.