It’s been several years since I’ve written about edible Christmas gifts but here’s what I want you to know: I still give them to friends and family. This Candied Pecans recipe is from my mother and is her signature gift to loved ones far and wide. Luckily, I’m on the list too, I always get a bag. We love these to no end and look forward to them all year long. Sure, I could technically make them whenever I wanted, but they would they be as special if I did?!

The beauty of these pecans is that they hit all the right notes. They’re sweet and salty, enrobed in crispy meringue, and still maintain a nice amount of crunch. As I mentioned on instagram, we love to tip them into a bowl and snack on them throughout the whole day. However, they are also delicious when added to all kinds of things like salad with a sharp vinaigrette, blue cheese, and thinly sliced pears, or a salty nut mix or grazing board. They are functionally the perfect addition to just about anything.