5 Pecan Recipes Paired with Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Welcome to Delightful Pecans, where we believe every meal should be a delightful experience full of flavor, texture, and enjoyment. With their rich buttery taste and satisfying crunch, Pecans are versatile ingredients that can elevate a wide variety of dishes. Today, we're excited to take you on a culinary journey featuring five mouthwatering pecan recipes, each thoughtfully paired with a refreshing non-alcoholic drink. Whether planning a brunch, a casual gathering, or a relaxing evening at home, these pecan-based dishes and their perfect beverage partners will enhance your dining experience. Let's dive into these delicious combinations and discover new ways to enjoy pecans.

1. Pecan-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Homemade Lemonade

Our first recipe, Pecan-Crusted Chicken Tenders, offers a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The crunchy pecan coating adds a nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the tender, juicy chicken. Serve these tenders with a glass of freshly made lemonade for a refreshing balance of flavors—the tartness of the lemonade cuts through the richness of the pecans, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders

• 1 cup Delightful Pecans, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1/4 cup flour

Instructions

Step One
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the chopped pecans, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.

Step Two
Dredge the chicken tenders in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip each tender into the beaten eggs, then coat with the pecan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step Three
Place the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Conclusion
Pecan-Crusted Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings out the best in pecans. Pairing them with a glass of homemade lemonade enhances the meal with a refreshing contrast of flavors, making it a perfect choice for lunch or dinner.

2. Pecan Granola Parfaits with Iced Green Tea

Start your day on a healthy and flavorful note with Pecan Granola Parfaits. These parfaits feature layers of creamy yogurt, fresh fruit, and crunchy pecan granola, creating a satisfying and nutritious breakfast or snack. The toasted pecans in the granola add a delightful depth of flavor, while the iced green tea provides a light, earthy complement that refreshes your palate with every sip.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1 cup Delightful Pecans, chopped

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Greek yogurt

• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

Instructions

Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the mixture is well coated.

Step Two
Spread the granola mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant.

Step Three
Allow the granola to cool completely before assembling the parfaits. In serving glasses or bowls, layer the Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and pecan granola. Serve with a glass of iced green tea for a refreshing and wholesome breakfast or snack.

Conclusion
Pecan Granola Parfaits are a versatile and nutritious option that can be enjoyed any time of the day. The combination of creamy yogurt, sweet berries, and crunchy pecan granola is both satisfying and nourishing. Paired with a chilled glass of iced green tea, this dish becomes a refreshing and energizing way to start your day.

3. Maple Pecan Scones with Spiced Chai Latte

For a cozy and comforting treat, indulge in Maple Pecan Scones paired with a Spiced Chai Latte. These scones are rich with the flavors of maple syrup and toasted pecans, creating a tender and flavorful pastry that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The warm spices of the chai latte, with notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, complement the nutty sweetness of the scones, making this pairing a match made in heaven.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1/2 cup Delightful Pecans, chopped

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/3 cup heavy cream

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step One
Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step Two
In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.

Step Three
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a disk about 1 inch thick. Cut the disk into 8 wedges and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown. Serve warm with a spiced chai latte.

Conclusion
Maple Pecan Scones are a deliciously satisfying treat that pairs beautifully with a warm, spiced chai latte. The rich, aromatic spices in the chai enhance the combination of sweet maple and nutty pecans in the scones. This pairing is perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon pick-me-up.

4. Pecan-Crusted Fish Tacos with Virgin Mojito

Try Pecan-Crusted Fish Tacos paired with a Virgin Mojito for a light and flavorful meal. The pecan crust adds a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the tender fish, making these tacos a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The virgin mojito's zesty lime and refreshing mint provide a bright and stimulating contrast, making this pairing perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound white fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod)

• 1 cup Delightful Pecans, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 egg, beaten

• 8 small corn tortillas

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Sliced avocado

• Lime wedges

Instructions

Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Combine the chopped pecans, panko breadcrumbs, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.

Step Two
Dip the fish fillets in the beaten egg, then coat them with the pecan mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.

Step Three
Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Assemble the tacos by placing the pecan-crusted fish in the tortillas and topping with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with a virgin mojito for a refreshing and flavorful meal.

Conclusion
Pecan-crusted fish Tacos are a light and delicious meal full of flavor and texture. The crunchy pecan crust adds a unique twist to the tender fish, making these tacos standout. Paired with a cool and refreshing virgin mojito, this meal is perfect for enjoying on a warm day or whenever you’re craving a taste of something fresh and vibrant.

5. Pecan Chocolate Bark with Hot Cocoa

End your culinary journey sweetly with Pecan Chocolate Bark paired with a rich and creamy Hot Cocoa. This simple yet decadent treat features layers of smooth chocolate and crunchy pecans, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The comforting warmth of hot cocoa enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and the nuttiness of the pecans, making this pairing a perfect way to unwind and indulge.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces dark or milk chocolate, chopped

• 1 cup Delightful Pecans, toasted and chopped

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Step One
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or the microwave, stirring until smooth.

Step Two
Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into an even layer about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle the toasted pecans, dried cranberries (if using), and sea salt over the top of the chocolate.

Step Three
Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for several hours or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Once fully set, break the chocolate bark into pieces. Serve with a cup of hot cocoa for a sweet and comforting treat.

Conclusion
Pecan Chocolate Bark is a simple yet indulgent treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans is enhanced by the warmth of hot cocoa, creating a comforting and delicious pairing perfect for a cozy evening at home.

Pecans are incredibly versatile, adding flavor, texture, and nutrition to various dishes. Whether you’re enjoying them in a savory main course or a sweet treat, these recipes paired with non-alcoholic drinks offer a delightful way to savor the many flavors of pecans. Try these pairings for your next meal, and experience the perfect harmony of pecans and refreshing beverages.