Food for Thought : April is National Pecan Month

The pecan is a concentrated source of energy . Pecans  are a natural , high quality source of protein and contain very few carbohydrates . Pecans contain more than 19 vitamins  and minerals , as well  as fiber . Pecans  have some  other health benefits  too . Pecans contain antioxidants  which means they may help reduce  your risk of heart disease , diabetes  and some forms of cancer . They can help lower  cholesterol  levels . Think outside  the pecan pie  when looking  for ways to enjoy pecans . Here are a few tips  to help you get more  pecans in your diet ;

Add Pecans to cooked hot cereals . Pecans are great in pancakes , waffles  and muffins  mixes .

Stir some pecans into your stir-fry . Roasted pecans are delicious  in tuna  and chicken salad . Sprinkle  pecans on casseroles  and vegetable dishes . 

Remember  that pecans can pack a powerful calorie punch . Make sure  you are practicing  good portion control .
                                                                       Creole Pecan Pie :

Makes 8 servings        Prep :35 minutes     Total :  4 hours  (includes making pastry and cooling pie)

Make pastry dough or buy ready made  pie crusts  at the supermarket .

3/4 stick unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup
2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
2 cups pecan halves (1/2 pound)
Accompaniment: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

1 . Preheat oven to 350°F with a baking sheet on middle rack.
2 . Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin into a 12-inch round and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim edge, leaving a 1/2-inch overhang. Fold overhang under and lightly press against rim of pie plate, then crimp decoratively. Lightly prick bottom all over with a fork. Chill until firm, at least 30 minutes (or freeze 10 minutes).
3 . Meanwhile, melt butter in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in corn syrup, vanilla, zest, and salt. Lightly beat eggs in a medium bowl, then whisk in corn syrup mixture.
4 . Put pecans in pie shell and pour corn syrup mixture evenly over them. Bake on hot baking sheet until filling is set, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Cool completely.
COOK'S ’TIP:
Pie can be baked 1 day ahead and chilled. Bring to room temperature before serving .

Mr. Humble  sitting in for Grand-poppa .
The Reno Rascals are having a great time  , expect them home  tomorrow .  I were informed  they  love chasing the ladies .  My first thought  were  , what was they going to  do with the ladies  if they were luckily enough to catch them . Friends  and readers  they are  over 80 years old . 
My kids want to go to Seguin , Texas  to see the giant pecan .  Readers , it sure looks real .  

 See you next time .