Introduction
Easter is a time for family gatherings, egg hunts, and of course, sweets! And what better way to celebrate the holiday than with some homemade candy? In this article, we’ll show you how to make Pecan Eggs Easter Candy – a delicious and fun recipe that’s perfect for the season. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Pecan Eggs: – 1 cup pecans, finely chopped – 2 cups powdered sugar – 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 1/4 teaspoon salt – Food coloring (optional) For the Chocolate Coating: – 12 ounces chocolate chips – 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
Instructions
Making the Pecan Eggs:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped pecans, powdered sugar, softened butter, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until everything is well combined. 2. If you want to add some color to your Pecan Eggs, now is the time to do it. Add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture and stir until the color is evenly distributed. 3. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small egg-shaped balls. You can make them as big or as small as you want, but keep in mind that they will be covered in chocolate later. 4. Place the shaped Pecan Eggs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Making the Chocolate Coating:
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. 2. Using a fork, dip each Pecan Egg into the melted chocolate mixture and coat evenly. Tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. 3. Place the chocolate-coated Pecan Eggs back on the baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or until the chocolate is set. 4. Once the chocolate is set, you can decorate your Pecan Eggs with some colorful sprinkles or drizzle some melted white chocolate on top.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 Pecan Egg Calories: 120 Total Fat: 7g Saturated Fat: 3g Cholesterol: 5mg Sodium: 25mg Total Carbohydrates: 16g Dietary Fiber: 1g Sugars: 14g Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Chilling Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Equipment
– Large mixing bowl – Baking sheet – Parchment paper – Microwave-safe bowl – Fork
Serving Suggestions
Pecan Eggs Easter Candy is a sweet and delicious treat that’s perfect for Easter celebrations. Serve them as a dessert after a family dinner or use them as a fun and colorful addition to your Easter baskets.
Variations
If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can easily substitute them with chopped almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding some lemon zest, orange zest, or almond extract to the mixture.
Substitutions
If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can substitute it with heavy cream or evaporated milk. You can also use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
Storage
Store your Pecan Eggs Easter Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips
– Make sure your butter is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will make it easier to combine everything together. – If the mixture is too sticky to shape into balls, you can chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm it up. – When dipping the Pecan Eggs into the melted chocolate, make sure you tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. This will ensure that your Pecan Eggs have a thin and even chocolate coating.
Notes
– This recipe makes around 24 Pecan Eggs, but you can easily double or triple the recipe if you need more. – You can also use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter and creamier flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts.
How long do these Pecan Eggs last?
If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Pecan Eggs can last up to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze these Pecan Eggs?
Yes, you can freeze these Pecan Eggs for up to 3 months.
Summary
Pecan Eggs Easter Candy is a fun and delicious recipe that’s perfect for the holiday season. With a crunchy pecan center and a smooth chocolate coating, these candies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re making them for your family or as a gift for your friends, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. So why not give it a try and make some Pecan Eggs Easter Candy for your next Easter celebration? Your loved ones will surely appreciate the effort and the deliciousness of this homemade treat.