Save Time With Sweet, Savory, Salty Snacks

In fact, according to the International Food Information Council's 2022 Food and Health Survey, 75% of Americans snack at least once per day, which means 2023 could become the year of the snack. Whether it's forgoing breakfast at home for a bite on the go or powering up with an afternoon morsel, one flavor favorite and nutritional powerhouse you can turn to is the Pecan.

As Pecans are used in an increasing number of snack innovations, they're being hailed as the fastest growing nut in new snack applications, according to Information Resources, Inc. They're an ideal snack for punching up your routine with great taste, Plant-Based Nutrition and an easy-to-pair profile.

For example, they're poised to remix your snack mix mentality as they complement sweet, savory, spicy and buttery combinations. Ready in less than half an hour, you can add some sweetness to your workday with this Pecan Snack Mix with Cranberries and Chocolate for a fruity, nutty, chocolatey twist on traditional trail mix.

If a saltier treat is more your speed, consider this Salty Pecan Snack Mix for a grab-and-go breakfast as you head out the door or an easy way to keep hunger at bay in the afternoon. Because Pecans pair with a variety of ingredients and flavors, they're a perfect partner for this combination of Rolled Oats, Coconut, Honey, Cinnamon and more.

Find more sweet and savory recipe inspirations at: www.EatPecans.com

Pecan Snack Mix with Cranberries and Chocolate
Recipe courtesy of Jess Larson and the American Pecan Promotion Board
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes, plus 10 minutes cooling time

• 1 Cup of Pecan halves
• 1 Cup of Rice Squares Cereal (Wheat or Cinnamon)
• 1/2 Cup of Pretzels
• 2 Tablespoons of Unsalted Butter
• 1 Tablespoon of Brown Sugar
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons of Pure Maple Syrup
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Kosher Salt
• 1/4Teaspoon of Ground Nutmeg
• 1/2 Cup of Dried Cranberries
• 1/2 Cup of Dark Chocolate Chips

In a large, microwave-safe bowl, add the Pecans, the Rice Squares Cereal and the Pretzels. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, add the Butter, the Brown Sugar, the Maple Syrup, the Salt and the Nutmeg. Microwave the Butter mixture for 1-2 minutes until melted then pour it over the dry mix. Toss it well to combine it.

Microwave the snack mix in 45-second intervals, about 4-5 intervals total, until the mix is fragrant, golden and toasty.

Cool mix completely then stir in the Cranberries and the Dark Chocolate Chips.

Salty Pecan Snack Mix
Recipe courtesy of Mallory Oniki and the American Pecan Promotion Board
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 15

• 2 Cups of Rice Squares Cereal
• 1 Cup of Rolled Oats
• 1 Cup Unsweetened Coconut
• 1/3 Cup of Honey
• 1/4 Cup of Coconut Oil
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Cinnamon
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt
• 1/4 Cup of Butter
• 2 Cups of chopped Pecans
• 1 Cup of Oyster Crackers

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

In a bowl, add the Rice Squares Cereal, the Oats and the Unsweetened Coconut.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the Honey, the Coconut Oil, the Cinnamon and the Salt. Stir until the mixture starts to boil then pour it over the snack mix and stir it until it is well combined.

Transfer them to a baking sheet and bake them for 8-10 minutes.

In a saucepan over medium heat, add the Butter. Stir until the Butter browns then add the chopped Pecans and the Oyster Crackers. Turn the heat to low and stir it while the Pecans roast.

Remove the snack mix from the oven and add the Brown Butter Pecan and the cracker mixture; stir to combine.