Sweet and Spicy Pecans

Kick off any celebration with these Sweet and Spicy Pecans that have just the right amount of spice for a quick nibble before dinner.

Summer entertaining could mean nothing more than lazy moments on porches or in galleries or in hammocks in the backyard. But if you add friends and family, arrange easy drinks on trays and lots of delicious little bites, it becomes summer entertaining Southern style. Put a guest in charge of crushing up the ice, another peeling loads of lemons, another cutting up limes for the bar...and mix and pour and shake some simple Southern favorites, perhaps a Sazeracs or a Mint Julep or a Milk Punch.

To accompany any Southern drink, try serving the following Sweet and Spicy Pecans that have just the right amount of spice to make this snack addictive.

Sweet and Spicy Pecans

MAKES 2 CUPS

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups pecan halves

Mix the sugar, salt, pepper and cayenne in a small bowl. Heat a skillet over high heat. Shake the pecans in the skillet for one minute. Add half the blended mixture, shaking the skillet. When the sugar begins to caramelize, add the remaining mixture and shake the skillet constantly. Turn the pecans out onto paper towels to cool. Separate and store the nuts in an airtight container.

This week, we'll conclude our "Salute to the Food of New Orleans" with a great-tasting recipe for catfish. We hope you've enjoyed this special series on the cuisine of New Orleans.

To learn more about the foods of New Orleans, read Gourmet Food writer Jacqueline Church's article on making Gumbo and her memories of New Orleans.