Certainly, I’d be happy to provide you with a detailed recipe for Salted Chocolate Pecan Sandies (Vegan), including its history, components, preparation steps, and estimated preparation time.
Salted Chocolate Pecan Sandies (Vegan)
History:
Pecan sandies, also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes, are believed to have originated in Eastern Europe. They have a rich history and are often associated with holiday celebrations. The vegan version we’ll be making today is a delightful twist on this classic recipe.
Components:
- 1 cup vegan butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
Preparation Steps:
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature vegan butter and powdered sugar until well combined and fluffy.
-
Add the vanilla extract and mix it into the butter-sugar mixture.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
-
Stir in the finely chopped pecans and vegan chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until they are firm.
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Slice the chilled dough logs into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.
-
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of coarse sea salt while they are still warm. This adds a delightful salty contrast to the sweet cookies.
-
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Estimated Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Baking: 12-15 minutes
- Cooling: 30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Enjoy your homemade Vegan Salted Chocolate Pecan Sandies! These cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to bring smiles to those who taste them.
Certainly, here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for Salted Chocolate Pecan Sandies (Vegan) per serving (assuming one serving is one cookie):
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 120-150 kcal
- Total Fat: 8-10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 30-40 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10-12 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugars: 3-4 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
Health Information:
-
Moderate Calories: These cookies are relatively moderate in calories, making them a suitable treat when consumed in moderation.
-
Vegan and Dairy-Free: This recipe is entirely vegan, meaning it contains no animal products or dairy. It’s a suitable option for individuals who follow a vegan lifestyle or have dairy allergies.
-
Low in Cholesterol: Since it’s a vegan recipe with no animal fats, these cookies are cholesterol-free.
-
Low Sodium: The sodium content is relatively low, which can be beneficial for those who need to watch their sodium intake.
-
Moderate Sugar: The sugar content is moderate, but you can adjust it to your preference by using less powdered sugar or opting for a sugar substitute if desired.
-
Source of Healthy Fats: Pecans provide healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which can be heart-healthy when consumed in moderation.
-
Limited Protein: While these cookies are delicious, they don’t provide significant protein. Consider complementing your diet with protein-rich foods to meet your daily protein needs.
-
Occasional Treat: As with all sweets, these cookies should be enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your daily diet due to their sugar and fat content.
Remember that these nutrition facts are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice and to address specific health concerns.
