4 Amazing Saint Patrick’s Day Pecan Recipes to Thrill Your Friends
St. Patrick's Day is not just a celebration of Irish culture but also an opportunity to gather with friends and family over delicious food and drinks. In the spirit of this vibrant holiday, we've put together three St. Patty's Day-themed recipes featuring the rich, buttery flavor of pecans. These dishes are not only infused with the traditional green hues and flavors associated with the holiday but also introduce a unique twist with the incorporation of pecans, promising to be a hit with everyone. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply looking to add a touch of St. Patty's Day cheer to your meals, these recipes are designed to delight and impress.
From a savory appetizer to a main course and a decadent dessert, each recipe celebrates the essence of St. Patrick's Day while showcasing the versatility of pecans. Let's embark on a culinary adventure that pays homage to this cherished holiday with a touch of pecan goodness.
Emerald Pecan Pesto Pasta
Elevate your St. Patrick's Day meal with a dish as green as the Emerald Isle itself - Emerald Pecan Pesto Pasta. This vibrant and flavorful dish combines the creamy texture of pecans with fresh basil and spinach, resulting in a beautifully green pesto that's both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
1 pound of your favorite pasta
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1 cup fresh spinach leaves
1/2 cup pecans, toasted
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step One
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later.
Step Two
In a food processor, combine basil, spinach, pecans, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until coarsely chopped. With the processor running, gradually add olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Step Three
Toss the cooked pasta with the pecan pesto, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with additional pecans and Parmesan cheese if desired.
This Emerald Pecan Pesto Pasta is a perfect way to add a gourmet touch to your St. Patrick's Day celebrations. It's a testament to the delightful versatility of pecans, bringing a nutty depth to the fresh, herbaceous flavor of the pesto.
Lucky Pecan-Stuffed Mushrooms
Start your St. Patty's Day feast with Lucky Pecan-Stuffed Mushrooms, a savory appetizer that's sure to bring a bit of luck to your table. These bite-sized delights are filled with a delicious mixture of pecans, cheese, and herbs, making them the perfect start to your festive meal.
Ingredients
24 whole fresh mushrooms
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove stems from mushrooms and finely chop them, setting the caps aside.
Step Two
In a bowl, combine chopped mushroom stems, pecans, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, and cream cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Three
Fill each mushroom cap with the pecan mixture, pressing gently to compact. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
Lucky Pecan-Stuffed Mushrooms are a crowd-pleaser that effortlessly combines the festive spirit of St. Patrick's Day with the wholesome goodness of pecans. They're a flavorful and elegant addition to any celebration.
Shamrock Pecan Chicken
Add a touch of green to your St. Patrick's Day dinner with Shamrock Pecan Chicken. This dish features chicken breasts encrusted with a pecan and herb coating, baked to perfection. It's a simple yet elegant meal that's sure to impress your guests with its festive flair and delicious taste.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a shallow dish, combine the chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step Two
Dip each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the pecan mixture. Press the mixture onto the chicken to ensure it sticks.
Step Three
Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Shamrock Pecan Chicken is a delightful nod to St. Patrick's Day, with its green herbs and pecan crust offering a festive twist on a classic dish. The juicy chicken, combined with the crunchy, flavorful coating, creates a satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with your favorite sides.
Leprechaun Pecan Brownies
No St. Patrick's Day celebration is complete without a sweet treat, and our Leprechaun Pecan Brownies are just the thing. Infused with Irish whiskey and topped with green-tinted pecans, these brownies offer a rich, chocolaty base with a hint of spirited flavor, making them an irresistible end to any meal.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
Green food coloring
Instructions
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
Step Two
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, Irish whiskey, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the pecans.
Step Three
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool before slicing into squares.
Leprechaun Pecan Brownies are the perfect way to add a touch of magic to your St. Patrick's Day. With their boozy kick and festive pecans, these brownies are a decadent and delightful way to celebrate the holiday.
Happy St. Patty's Day from Delightful Pecans
We hope you had an amazing Saint Patrick’s Day. Let these pecan-themed recipes add joy and deliciousness to your festivities every Saint Patrick’s day henceforth. Whether you're gathering with loved ones or enjoying a quiet day at home, these dishes are a wonderful way to honor the spirit of the holiday. From all of us at Delightful Pecans, we wish you a happy and festive St. Patty's Day!