Fragrant, crunchy spiced pecans are a crave-worthy treat this time of year — especially when using nuts grown by Jake Creek Pecans in Paola. These make great stocking stuffers or snacking gifts for parents and friends.

Ingredients

3 cups pecan halves
1 ½ cup sugar (divided to 1 cup and ½ cup)
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Heat oven to 275 degrees. Lightly grease cookie sheet and bake pecans for 10 minutes.
2. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, water, cinnamon and salt. Bring to boil and continuously stir for 2 minutes. Stir in vanilla and toasted pecans.
3. On a counter, lay out parchment paper and evenly sprinkle part of the ½ cup sugar on paper. Pour the pecan mixture over the sugar and sprinkle the rest of the sugar on top. Stir until pecans are well coated with the sugar. Let cool fully.