Candied Pecans

Looking for the perfect last minute gift for co-workers or a hostess? I was too. I decided last minute to individually gift pecans for colleagues in my department at work. These pecans are not only so delicious, but they are incredibly addicting. Don't like pecans? Switch for walnuts, or another nut you enjoy. I gave them out Friday at work and already I am getting requests for the recipe. Extremely easy, and they look super cute when you give out in mason jars, or look a like Chinese food containers.

Candied Pecans

Ingredients
9 cups pecans (just over 2 pounds)
1 cup sugar
1 stick butter 
1 teaspoon salt 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
2 egg whites 
1 1/2 powered sugar 

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in oven on a 12 by 15 baking sheet. Add pecans and dredge in melted butter.
2. In separate bowl combine sugar, salt, vanilla and egg whites. Drizzle over pecans and stir to coat.
3. Bake for 40 minutes. Every 10 minutes stir up mixture.
4. Place powered sugar in large container with lid. Add pecans and shake/stir to coat. 
5. Remove and cool.