π©βπ³ Andrea’s Pecan Divines πͺ
What is it?
Andrea’s Pecan Divines are a delicious dessert that combines the rich flavors of pecans, caramel, and chocolate. These treats are a delightful blend of sweet and nutty, making them a favorite among dessert enthusiasts.
History:
The exact origin of Andrea’s Pecan Divines is a bit elusive, as it’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations in many families. However, pecan-based desserts have a long history in the southern United States, where pecan trees are abundant. It’s likely that this dessert has its roots in traditional Southern cuisine, where pecans are a beloved ingredient.
Components:
The main components of Andrea’s Pecan Divines are:
- Pecans: These nuts are the star of the show, providing a rich, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Caramel: A gooey and sweet caramel layer adds a delightful stickiness to the treat.
- Chocolate: Typically, a layer of chocolate is drizzled or spread on top, adding a decadent touch.
Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Andrea’s Pecan Divines:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the pecan halves in clusters on the parchment paper, creating small piles of pecans. Leave some space between them.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil. Once it boils, stop stirring and let it boil for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the caramel mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Carefully spoon the hot caramel over each pecan cluster, covering them completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the pecan divines cool on the baking sheet.
- Once the divines have cooled and the caramel has set, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or using a double boiler.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the pecan clusters.
- Allow the chocolate to set, either at room temperature or by placing the divines in the refrigerator for a short time.
- Once the chocolate is firm, carefully peel the clusters off the parchment paper and enjoy!
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for Andrea’s Pecan Divines may vary, but it typically takes around 30-40 minutes from start to finish. This includes the time for making the caramel, baking, and letting the chocolate set.
And there you have it! Andrea’s Pecan Divines are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of caramel, the richness of pecans, and the decadence of chocolate. Enjoy making and savoring these delicious bites! ππ«π°
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Andrea’s Pecan Divines:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving, based on a standard recipe):
- Calories: 200-250 calories per serving (1 divines cluster)
- Total Fat: 12-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4-5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 10-15 mg
- Sodium: 20-30 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 20-25 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
Health Information:
- While Andrea’s Pecan Divines are undeniably delicious, they are also quite high in sugar and fat due to the caramel, chocolate, and butter used in the recipe. This makes them a treat best enjoyed in moderation.
- Pecans are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, vitamin B6, and magnesium. However, the addition of caramel and chocolate does increase the overall calorie and sugar content.
- Caramel is primarily sugar and butter, so it adds a significant amount of sugar and saturated fat to the treat. It should be consumed sparingly as part of a balanced diet.
- Dark chocolate (with a higher cocoa content) may offer some antioxidants and potential health benefits, but it should also be eaten in moderation to manage calorie and sugar intake.
Remember that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used, so it’s essential to be mindful of portion control when enjoying Andrea’s Pecan Divines. They can be a delightful occasional indulgence but should not be a regular part of a diet focused on health and nutrition.
