Pecan Tart

We bought the farm.  With it came pecan trees.  Last year we fertilized the trees and in the fall had a fantastic harvest.  WOW, what a difference fresh pecans make when cracked open and used in a pecan tart.  This is still one of our holiday favorites, now with new meaning.

See Caramel-Pecan Bar option below.

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
2/3 cup butter
3 tablespoons whipping cream

Directions:

1. Arrange pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly toasted. Cool on a wire rack 15 minutes or until completely cool.

2. Pulse flour, powdered sugar, and 3/4 cup butter in a food processor 5 to 6 times or until mixture resembles coarse meal. Pat mixture evenly on bottom and up sides of a lightly greased 11-inch tart pan with removable bottom.

3. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack 15 minutes or until completely cool.

4. Bring brown sugar, honey, 2/3 cup butter, and whipping cream to a boil in a 3-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in toasted pecans, and spoon hot filling into prepared crust.

5. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Cool on a wire rack 30 minutes or until completely cool.

Caramel-Pecan Bars: Prepare recipe as directed, pressing crumb mixture evenly on bottom and 3/4 inch up sides of a lightly greased heavy-duty aluminum foil-lined 13- x 9-inch pan. When completely cool, using the aluminum foil as handles, carefully lift the tart from the pan, and transfer to a serving tray. Cut into squares.

Yield
Makes 12 servings

Southern Living, NOVEMBER 2007
 

Georgia Pecans

Pecans are one of the most popular all-season nuts. Pecans can be enjoyed many different ways throughout the year. Perfect for holiday baking and so much more. In summer, ice cream; in fall, baked goods; in winter, confections; in spring, vegetables; pecans put the finishing touch on a variety of foods. Pecans have an unbeatable flavor and are packed with important nutrients. Pecans are a good source of protein and are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium and the B vitamins. Rich in potassium and phosphorus, pecans also provide fiber. They have been found to help lower cholesterol and contain only a trace of sodium.

Georgia is the nation's leading pecan producing state. In Georgia, pecans are harvested during October and November, but are available year-round. Pecan production is centered in Dougherty County, around Albany, with orchards ranging in size from a few acres to several thousand acres. Albany and Dougherty County are known as the "pecan capital of the world," because of the number of pecan trees in the area.

Buyers Guide to Georgia Grown - Pecans

- Georgia pecans can be purchased year round.
- Look for plump pecans that are uniform in color and size.
- The shell of a pecan should be smooth and light brown.
- Pecans are perishable and must be properly stored to maintain optimum quality.

Best Ways to Enjoy Georgia Grown - Pecans

- Fresh, out-of-hand as a wholesome, natural snack.
- Try pecans in dips, dressings and sauces to complement any dish.
- Pecans make an excellent garnish for entrees.
- Sprinkle pecans on tossed, pasta or meat salads to make a great lunch better.
- Toast pecans for a tasty snack.
- For a special treat, try pecan brittle or chocolate-dipped pecan halves.
- Pecan pie is an all-time favorite dessert for many Americans.
- Add flavor and crunch to vegetable casseroles by including pecan pieces.
- Pecans are a traditional ingredient to many favorite holiday dishes.
- Pecans make wonderful, inexpensive holiday gifts.

Fun Facts about Georgia Grown - Pecans

- The pecan is native to the Mississippi Valley region of the United States.
- Pecans were first known as "Mississippi nuts" or "Illinois nuts."
- Early settlers exchanged pecans for trinkets and tools.
- Thomas Jefferson planted pecan trees around Monticello.
- By 1871, several large pecan groves had been planted in most of the southeastern United States, including Georgia.
- Georgia's commercial pecan production began during the late 1800s.
- By 1948, Georgia's pecan production reached 40 million pounds.
- The Southern Nut Growers Association, later known as the National Nut Growers Association, was established in Albany, Georgia in 1901.