Author: Julie

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Annual Pecan Conference Held

The annual Tri-State Pecan Conference was held in Natchez, Mississippi in mid June.  Growers from Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi kicked off the meeting with an orchard tour of The Company Farm pecan orchard located in Baskin, Louisiana.  This farm is a square mile or 640 acres, and is being managed by Tom Childress.  Childress talked about his management practices for the orchard, the current varieties that are in the orchard, and the future goal of starting a hedging regime.  He says that the number one benefit, for him, is that hedging helps him achieve a more effective spray program.  Childress says he is trying to choose and plant the right pecan varieties to control problems, such as scab, because you “can’t spray your way out of a problem, you have to plant your way out.”

Lunch was provided in the orchard and then the group headed back to Natchez for business meetings and an evening reception.  The second day consisted of educational seminars and the always much anticipated pecan guesstimate of the season from Ben Littlepage.  He estimated that the U.S. crop would total 283 million pounds.  Below is a state by state estimated prediction:

Alabama………………..19 million

Arizona………………….25 million

Arkansas………………… 1 million

California………………..  6 million

 Florida…………………….0.5 million

Georgia…………………80.0 million

Kansas……………..0.5 million

Louisiana…………………4 million

Mississippi…………….. 1 million

New Mexico…………..70 million

N. Carolina…………..0.5 million

Oklahoma…………….35 million

S. Carolina…………..0.5 million

Texas…………………. 40 million

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Tips For Baking Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is considered a staple at holiday meals in the South.  This irresistible amazing tasty pie is even found in lyrics of the song “Chicken Fried” by the famous Southern band – The Zac Brown Band –

Beneath the shade of a Georgia pine
And that’s home you know
Sweet tea, pecan pie and homemade wine
Where the peaches grow

There are numerous pecan pie recipes all across the web.  Simply browse and choose one to your liking.  Below are tips to follow that will enable you to create an awesome pecan pie –

  • Mind your eggs.  Extra large eggs tend to be too much for pecan pie, and medium just isn’t enough.  Opt for large eggs.
  • Coat your measuring cup with oil, or spritz with non-stick cooking spray before measuring your corn syrup.
  • Cut calories by substituting a reduced calorie corn syrup, such as Karo’s Lite corn syrup instead of the regular kind.
  • Toast the pecans for enhanced flavor and only use fresh pecans.
  • Don’t use a blender or a mixer.  Use a whisk and a wooden spoon.  Hand mix only – and don’t beat it to death!  Many pecan pies end up runny due to over-beating.
  • Shield edges of pie with foil about halfway through cooking time to prevent over-browning.
  • Let the pie cool completely before slicing, as this will allow the filling to set completely.
  • Pie is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out fairly clean.  The filling may seem a bit jiggly as a whole, but it will continue cooking a bit even after removed from the oven  – so you don’t want to overcook it.
Pecan Pie - Oh how delicious!

Pecan Pie – Oh how delicious!

 

 

 

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Greatest Dad Give Away – Rules

Here are the rules for the Greatest Dad Give Away contest for 2015.

  • Contest runs May 27, 2015 through June 18, 2015
  • All submission become property of Natchitoches Pecans.
  • Natchitoches Pecans reserves the right to edit and/or reject any submission in whole or in part.
  • Contestants must be 18 years or older to participate.
  • Natchitoches Pecans will select a winner and post on the Natchitoches Pecans facebook page on June 19, 2015 at 8pm.
  • All decisions are final at the sole discretion of Natchitoches Pecans.
  • This contest and/or rules can be changed without notice to the public.
  • Natchitoches Pecans reserves the right to cancel this contest without notice to the public.
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Roasted Or Toasted Pecans

Roasted pecans add flavor and crunch.
Toasted pecans add flavor and crunch.

Toasted pecans add flavor and crunch.

Some pecan recipes call for roasted pecans while a different recipe may call for toasted pecans.  Roasted or toasted pecans – What is the difference?  Toasting pecans before you bake them in a recipe brings out all the best flavors of the nuts.  Applying heat releases the oils in the pecans, which in turn intensifies their flavor, adds crispness, and tones down any bitterness.  Many times pecans bought in grocery store baking sections are dark and when tasted do have a bitter taste as they may not be fancy quality or be a couple years old.  For recipes that feature nuts, toasted nuts will add a lot of flavor with just a few extra minutes of effort.  Toasted nuts can also be used to garnish desserts. And, they are great for sprinkling over ice cream or yogurt.  Even try adding toasted nuts to salads or pasta!

Follow these simple steps for perfectly toasted pecans that will bring new life to your baking recipes.

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and arrange the shelled pecans in a single layer .
  3. Bake the nuts, stirring once after five minutes and then again after another five minutes during cooking for even toasting.  Smaller nuts will toast faster than larger ones so adjust cooking time accordingly.  While the nuts will become lightly browned, the best gauge for proper toasting is smell.  When the nuts have become fragrant, they are ready.
  4. Once the nuts have finished toasting, transfer then to a plate or a towel to cool.  Try to use a cooling surface large enough to allow the nuts to spread out in a single layer.  Leaving the nuts on the hot pan will cause them to continue cooking.  Allow the pecans to cool to room temperature before using them in a baking recipe.  Using nuts that are too warm can affect the dough or batter you’re making.
  5. After nuts have cooled, use them immediately in your recipe.  The flavor of toasted nuts will dissipate over time so any unused nuts can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to a week.

Now let’s turn to roasting pecans.  Roasting nuts involve the addition of an oil to them.  It may be butter, margarine, olive oil or vegetable oil.  The added oil can enable sugar, salt, and various spices to cling to the nuts for lots of different flavors.  From sweet and  salty to hot and spicy.  Check out Sugar and Spice Pecans to try for your next celebration.  I can taste them now!

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Transplanting Bucket Grown Pecan Trees

Recycled tub acts as water source for transplanted trees.

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In addition to the commercial importance of pecans, pecan trees add much to the beauty of the home or farm.  Pecan trees should be planted in solid blocks for commercial production.  For home use they can be planted along borders, ditch banks, fences, or in the lawn at least forty feet from buildings. Container grown […]

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All Occasion Pecan Log Recipe

Here is a simple pecan log recipe that can be used for all occasion celebrations throughout the year.  Do you remember the taste of fluffy, cherry-laced nougat rolled in fresh caramel and pecan pieces?  Mmmm… I can close my eyes and taste one now.  And it would not be a small slice of the pecan log roll as I can eat the entire roll!

INGREDIENTS

  • 5 Tbsp evaporated milk
  • 3/4 tsp rum flavoring
  • 2 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar – sifted
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped candied cherries
  • 24 – 30 caramels
  • 1 1/2 cup pecan pieces

DIRECTIONS

Combine 2 Tablespoons milk and rum flavoring in bowl; blend in confectioner’s sugar.  Knead until smooth and shiny; blend in cherries, adding additional confectioners’ sugar, if necessary.  Shape into 6-inch logs and roll in waxed paper.  Chill until firm.  Combine caramels with remaining milk; heat over boiling water until melted, stirring frequently.  Pour melted caramels  into medium bowl and  roll chilled log in caramel mixture to coat evenly and then quickly roll caramel coated log over the pecan pieces.  Roll in waxed paper and chill until firm.

 

Fluffy cherry laced pecan log roll.

Fluffy cherry laced pecan log roll.

 

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Spring Time Cream Cheese Pecan Pie Recipe

This version of the pecan pie has three delicious layers that make for a taste tantalizing experience.  Celebrate Spring time tomorrow with a delicious cream cheese pecan pie!  Try it and let us know what you thought…

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/2 cups pecan pieces (chopped)
  • 1 cup light corn syrup (Karo)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs, beaten well with a fork
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Combine the cream cheese and 1/3 cup sugar in a bowl.  Beat at high speed with an electric mixer until fluffy.  Add 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon salt.  Blend well.  Pour into the pie shell.  Sprinkle the pecans evenly over the cream cheese mixture.

Combine the corn syrup, 1/4 cup sugar, 3 beaten eggs and vanilla, mixing well. Carefully pour mixture over the pecan layer. Bake at 375°F for 35 to 40 minutes or until set. Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours before serving.

Spring Time Cream Cheese Pecan Pie Recipe

Spring Time Cream Cheese Pecan Pie Recipe

 

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Easter Cocoa Spiced Pecans

Because of the many days of cloudy wet weather that has held me hostage inside my house instead of out in the pecan orchard, I find myself searching cookbooks for unusual pecan recipes to try for our family’s upcoming Easter celebration.  I ran across one for Cocoa Spiced Pecans that I felt worthy of sharing.

 

COCOA SPICED PECANS

Ingredients

Parchment paper or nonstick cooking spray

1 large egg white

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon Baking Cocoa

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

4 cups pecan halves

 

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper or spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Whisk together the egg white, sugar, salt, cinnamon and cayenne pepper in bowl.  Stir in the pecans and stir until completely coated.  Pour the pecans onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer.

Bake for 20 minutes and remove from oven.  Stir to separate the pecans.  Reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees F and continue to bake for 15 minutes.  Cool completely on baking sheet and then break into pieces.  Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

These can be sprinkled over your favorite salad greens.  Cut up a few strawberries and or blueberries to add color and “Voila” – enjoy!

COCOA SPICED PECANS

COCOA SPICED PECANS

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Pecan Orchard – Limbs and Pruning

There is always a “To Do” list when you own a pecan orchard  and limbs and pruning are what rises to the top of that list this time of year.  The 2014 Pecan Harvest is complete but there are limbs all over the orchard floor.  As you look across the orchard one can see small piles and some giant piles of limbs left in open areas that were moved from beneath the trees before the pecan harvesters could begin their job of picking the pecans.  Every minute is precious during harvest season to get the crop harvested as quickly as possible so limbs are just piled to the side to be picked up later.  Additionally, one can see some broken limbs that are stuck and or partially hanging from the trees.  These broken limbs and “hangers” need removing prior to the next season.  These limbs are easier viewed when the trees are naked.

Little Eva Plantation

Naked Pecan Trees

February and March is a good time to remove any limbs that may have interfered with the harvesting process also.  That means limbs that hung too low and got in the way of the harvesters as they circled the trees.  Removing these low limbs will allow better spray coverage and better air movement in the lower canopy, thereby improving disease control for the upcoming season.   The correct way to cut a large limb – Make the undercut followed by the overcut, followed by the final cut at the collar to minimize the chance of stripping bark.  Cutting in this manner allows the tree to callous or close the wound until the short piece rots or breaks off.  A properly cut limb will not be cut flush with the trunk surface, but leave a little collar.

Pruning time is also the right time to collect graftwood for whip, four-flap, and inlay-bark grafts.  The parent trees should be vigorous, free of insects, disease, or environmental damage.

It’s time to go find some matches and get started on burning all those piles of limbs…..

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Natchitoches Pecans Releases Annual Product Brochure For The Holidays

The gourmet pecan company’s product brochure features their signature gourmet pecans, gift packages, and other pecan products just in time for the holidays.

Cloutierville, LA (PRWEB) November 05, 2014

Fresh Louisiana pecans are a welcome addition to any holiday table, whether for snacking or in homemade dishes. Natchitoches Pecans ships their fresh pecans around the country, and the company has just released their annual product brochure filled with a range of pecan goods and gift items available by mail order and online.

The Natchitoches Pecans catalogue includes a range of fresh Louisiana pecans – in-shell, cracked, halves, and pieces. The popular Burlap Bag of Nuts may be ordered as either in-shell or cracked. Pecan candies, samplers, cookbooks, and more are also available to order. Pecan candies and samplers are popular for gifting or for parties during the holiday season. The popular Cane River Pecan Sampler includes candied and spiced pecans – Natural Pecan Halves, Chocolate Pecans, Old Fashion Cane Pecans, and Cinnamon Spice Pecans – all in a custom tin. New this year is the Ms. Rita’s Baker’s Special – a great gift for cooks and bakers. This package includes fancy pecan halves, pecan pieces, and the family’s “Pecan Favorites Cookbook.”

As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, the Natchitoches Pecans “Nuthouse” – as the team fondly calls itself – starts to get busy packing and shipping pecan orders. To guarantee timely delivery of fresh Louisiana pecans, especially for holiday gifting, the company suggests ordering early. Order by December 12 to guarantee delivery before Christmas. Orders received after December 12 will be processed and shipped in the order they are received.

Call 1-800-572-5925 to request a brochure or order Natchitoches Pecans’ fresh pecans and all other pecan items online at http://www.natchitochespecans.com. Pecan enthusiasts can also visit their unique gift shop located in Cloutierville, LA.

Natchitoches Pecans
Established in 1987, Natchitoches Pecans, Inc. is a family owned and operated pecan orchard. Mark Swanson sees to the everyday operations, his wife, Julie, takes care of Little Eva’s Pecan Store and the mail-order business, and their mothers, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews all help wherever needed. Natchitoches Pecans is proud to provide high-quality, gourmet Louisiana pecans for all of its customers.

 

From Natchitoches Pecans’ November press release.