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Do you ever have the spell-check on your computer tell you something you know is not correct?
Addictively delicious. Every time I type out those words, my computer underlines it in red, telling me there's no such word as "addictively".
Come on, that's not right! I happen to know (don't ask me how) that it's impossible to just eat just a few of these crazy-wonderful, Sweet and Spicy Maple Pecans. Impossible. Each time you take a little handful, resolving it will be the last one, you'll find yourself going back for just a one more. And on and on it goes. In my book, that makes them addictively delicious!
But since my computer spell-check hasn't been known to steer me wrong, I decided to look into it - just to see who was right.
I googled "dictionaries" and it only took seconds to find a trusted resource; the Webster/Merriam Online Dictionary.
I thought there might be in some type of conspiracy because Mr. Webster says almost the same thing as my spell-checker - "The word you've entered isn't in the dictionary. Click on a spelling suggestion below or try again using the search bar above."
Hmmmm. Maybe I was in error. But then, as I scanned down the web page another site caught my eye - Wictionary. Have you heard of it? It's a funny name for a dictionary, don't you think. It's actually a free dictionary that uses "wiki" software, which allows people to add, modify, or delete content in collaboration with others. So, in other words, in addition to all of the proper words found in classic dictionaries like Webster or Oxford, Wictionary has the additional benefit of words that are now generally accepted.
I was happy to read that Wictionary does define "addictively" as a word: "addictively (comparative more addictively, superlative most addictively)"
- In an addictive manner.
So, I guess we're both right - me and my spell-checker! But you know what? It doesn't matter whether you call these fabulous sweet, spicy nuts addictive (more proper) or addictively delicious, you will find them hard to resist, whether you serve them as a snack, on salads, with your breakfast yogurt or as a pre-dinner cocktail nibble.
Know what makes them even more dangerous? It's that they're super simple to throw together, going from simple raw ingredients (pecans, olive oil, maple syrup, chili powder and sea salt), to mahogany-hued, beautifully glazed pecans in less than 20 minutes!
Yes, they're dangerously, addictively delicious but, once you take your first nibble, I'm sure you will love having these Sweet and Spicy Pecans in your "best-recipes"arsenal!
P.S. Hey, I just got to thinking; maybe I would have avoided all of these word problems if I had just called them irresistibly delicious, or deliciously addictive. No spell-check problems there. So late I get so smart! ...... Oh well, it made for a fun post.
- 2 cups pecan halves*
- 1 teaspoon[url:1] pumpkin pie spice*
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
-
Add pecans to prepared pan. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice, chili powder and sea salt. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup. Stir well to combine and coat nuts.
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Bake for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to redistribute nuts. Return to oven for a few more minutes, if needed to achieve deep golden brown color. Stir one more time to spread nuts evenly and allow to cool on pan. Store in an airtight container.
*If I'm using these pecans for a salad, sometimes I'll roughly chop or break them to make them a little smaller.
**If you don't know about pumpkin pie spice or don't have any, no worries! Check out this Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice post.
dawn b. says
I made the pumpkin pie spice and chili spice recipe and I also made a batch with half the maple syrup called for (1 1/2 tablespoon) and then the other half (1 1/2 tablespoon) I used sorghum and I also left out the chili spice, OH MY GOSH both ways are sooooooo delish!!!! what a great snack!!! Thanks!!
Chris Scheuer says
Way to go creative Dawn! I'm so glad it all worked out for you.
Lee Aldous says
I'm in Aussie
What is it that I should use for pumpkin pie spice?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Lee, I added a link in the recipe to explain pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy!
Sandra says
Addictive, in an addictive manner, addictively, they all apply. I would have to muster up an incredible amount of will power with these around!
Kitty says
Oh Chris, another winner of a recipe! I'm out of maple syrup, but as soon as I get some, I am making these!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
I could dangerously snack on this, all day long!!
Catherine says
Dear Chris, These would not last a NY minute in my home!!!! I love, love pecans and these sound so good. Blessings dear. Catherine
Kim says
To nibble or in a salad, I bet these are out of this world!
Kathy says
Chris, I am totally taken by these wonderful nuts…they sound fabulous! A perfect addition for holiday entertaining!
John@Kitchen Riffs says
A lot of spell checkers are limited -- the one Word uses sure is. I often find inaccuracies with it. Anyway, one of the joys of writing is making up new words, or changing existing words to be more descriptive! And speaking of joy, I'd be full of joy if I had these wonderful looking pecans in front of me right now. Terrific recipe! Thanks.
Juliana says
These pecans sure sound and look awesome...just by looking at them I can imagine how additives they must be...pumpkin spice and chili with a touch of sweet? Yum!
Thanks for the inspiration Chris...enjoy your week 😀
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Haha Chris. The whole time I was reading this I was trying to think of how else you would say it and still hadn't come up with any ideas when I got to your options. I don't care what you call them they look pretty delicious to me!
Kim - Liv Life says
Oh my goodness I LOVE that shot of the maple syrup pouring!!! And I have actually used the word addictively. I'm totally sure it's a word. And I'm totally sure it will apply to these babies!!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
This recipe is a keeper, Chris! My hubby is crazy for pecans... I will have to make these for him.
Mary Hirsch says
Might these be a nice alternative to your fabulous sliced almonds that I've loaded into those cute little Weck jars that I am ordering by the boatload from Amazon because of Y-O-U? I am "addictively" to both those jars and your nut recipes.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
YOU are addictively delicious - the nuts are extra 🙂 I only make things like this for company because I know I'll eat them all. 🙂
Lynn says
I've been craving nuts lately, the spices and maple sound great Chris! Wish I had a handful or two now:@)
Ginny Hartzler says
P.S. I am going to make these for our Sunday School class for Thanksgiving. do I need to keep them in the fridge, and how long will they keep?
Ginny Hartzler says
In my opinion, we can create words ourselves if they are descriptive, it can be fun! Phil will LOVE these when I make them!!! I have a question. I don't eat nuts and don't cook with them., Phil adores them though! So do I look for raw ones, or ones that have been roasted...what kind do I buy?
Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says
These look and sound delicious! They would be perfect to add to my daughter's daily salad for lunch. Pinning for sure.
Vicki Bensinger says
I love doctoring up pecans and these definitely sound like a tasty version for fall. Great for snacking and adding them to dishes to jazz up a bit. Thanks for sharing. I will be sure to try these.
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
Sweet and spicy is my FAVORITE, so yeah this would be a staple for me!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Take the bowl away from me, please...or I really would finish the whole darn bowl...they are addictively delicious!
Monique says
Chris..have been making so similar for years for an asian chicken salad we eat..no spices..I should add! I bet they are wonderful spiced up..amazing how long they do keep I find.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Love these pecans, what an irresistible snack!
Liz says
No matter how you phrase it, these pecans are winners. So addictive that I'd have to hide them from myself 😉