Heart-Healthy Maple-Spiced Pecans

Image courtesy of the American Heart Association

Servings: 8

Image courtesy of the American Heart Association

With their crunchy texture and rich flavor, pecans are a delicious way to make snacks satisfying, and they’re good for your health. Like other nuts, pecans are a good source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants. In this recipe, the combination of spices provides layers of sweetness without the need for excess added sugar. They make great holiday gifts and stocking stuffers, too!

Ingredients

1 egg white

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 pound pecan halves

cooking spray (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°F.
In a large bowl, whip the egg white until frothy.
Add the maple syrup, whipping to combine.
Add the spices and salt, whipping to combine.
With a mixing spoon or spatula, gently fold the pecans into the egg whites, coating them evenly.
To prevent the nuts from sticking, line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat, or lightly spray the baking sheet with cooking spray. Spread the pecans onto the baking sheet in a single layer, separating any nuts that stick together.
Bake for 8 minutes.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a spatula or spoon, break up any clumps. Bake for 7 minutes.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Stir the nuts so they do not stick together. Cool the nuts completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Quick Tips

Quick Tip Serve the nuts as a snack, or use them as a topping for yogurt or in your favorite salad.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (serves 8)

Calories	214
Total Fat	20.5 g (2.0 g saturated, 0.0 g trans fat, 6.0 g polyunsaturated, 11.5 g monounsaturated fats)
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	80 mg
Carbohydrate	8 g (5 g sugars, 3 g added sugars, 3 g dietary fiber)
Protein	3 g
Dietary Exchanges:	1/2 other carbohydrate, 4 fat