Mindful Nutrition with Megan here! Today is National Pecan Day and I don’t know about you, but the first thing I think of when I hear pecans is pecan pie!
I wanted to come up with a healthier way for you to have that pecan pie taste without consuming 500+ calories. Plus the added bonus is the heart-health benefits research has shown pecans and other nuts have since nuts are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. Monounsaturated fat may show a decrease in LDL cholesterol or your “bad cholesterol” and an increase in your HDL or “good cholesterol”.
Of course with the calorie density of nuts portion control is always important to keep in mind! These Pecan Pie Bites come in at 220 calories for a ¼ cup serving and takes you back to eating dessert at Thanksgiving!
Ingredients:
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2 Cups Pecan Halves
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1 tsp. Vanilla
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2 tbsp. Butter
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½ tsp. Cinnamon
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1/8 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
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½ tsp. Sea Salt
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2 tbsp. Stevia or Sweetener of choice
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Melt butter in microwave safe bowl.
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Add the vanilla, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and sweetener to the melted butter and mix well.
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Add Pecans to butter mixture and make sure they are coated evenly. Lay pecan mixture out on parchment paper in an even layer.
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Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.