One day to go! Tomorrow, all your planning, list making, grocery shopping, ingredient prepping and cooking time will come together to bring a delicious and thoughtful meal to the table for your friends and family. But, then again, there are some of us that haven’t given Thanksgiving much thought. This is my case; there’s only two of us (my fiance and I!!!) and last year we did the whole turkey for just us two thing and the amount of leftovers was ridiculous. We’re actually headed to his parents house on Cape Cod (first time meeting the future in-laws!!!)  but in the meantime, I made some pecan pie filling with gorgeous Cranberry pecans from Oh!Nuts.

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You might think there are cranberries in the pie, but not really. Thanks to the generous folks at Oh! Nuts, I experimented with Cranberry Pecans, meaning pecans infused with cranberry flavor. Best of both worlds, for sure! “This pecan is a unique blend of cranberry infused flavor and cinnamon spice. Each bite is a soft yet somewhat crunchy experience” -Oh!Nuts

cranberry pecans
Photo Credit: Oh! Nuts

What better way to celebrate Autumn in New England with the flavor of cranberries? Oh Nuts! Cranberry Pecans are packed with a nutty flavor, and sweet berry taste (but not too sweet, so you can snack on these right out of the bag!) Enjoy this filling baked in large pie shells by doubling the recipe below, and a smaller pie shell for a pie just for two. You can also bake in mini-shells and serve to your guests with your coffee at the end of the meal.

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Cranberry Pecan Spiced Pie Filling
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon American Honey (or your Bourbon of choice) 
1 cup Cranberry Pecans
to taste: cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla salt

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, molasses and brown sugar. 
  2. Add the bourbon, pecans and spices. Taste and adjust spices if needed. Make sure to add enough salt to bring out the natural sweetness of the pecans. 
  3. Stop here if you want to can this filling! Canning it will make this the perfect holiday gift, read more below. 
  4. If you want to continue with the recipe, whisk in the eggs and butter. Pour into a prepared pastry crust (either homemade like Faux Martha’s Video Recipe or store-bought) and bake in a 350 F oven for 30-40 minutes, until set and golden brown. 

 Holiday Gift Ideas
Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar: Make the pecan filling without the eggs or butter and using correct canning procedure (check out Food in Jars for all things canning), can this filling. Attach a label with ingredient list and what else to add, as well as instructions. Tie with a gorgeous ribbon and you’ve got yourself a great foodie holiday gift idea that’s easy to make as well as delicious! 

Holiday Breakfast in a Jar: This is a great gift idea if you have guests over and want to provide them with a snack in their room or for when they are on the go; it’s also a great breakfast sprinkled over yogurt or added to your hot cereal. Here I layered Orange-Infused Cranberries and Cranberry Pecans from Oh!Nuts with my Basic Granola recipe. 

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Breakfast in a Jar

  “Come join Love the Pie with TidyMom  sponsored by Cherokee USA, Le Creuset, Wilton, Bags by BloomHarvard Common Press and Pillsbury


Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on Cooking with Books are my own and based on testing and/or personal experience. I was sent free products from Oh! Nuts, although not monetarily compensated for a positive review.

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9 Comments

  1. ahhhh i’m so glad that the weekend was terrific! awwww what a year of change for you. hugs.

  2. Two fun holiday gifts! Your granola sounds incredible!

  3. Great gift idea, cranberry pecans..swoon

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving !!

  4. Nelly your cranberry Pecan Pie filling looks awesome! The Idea with the jar and sprinkle it on joghurt was noted down.

    Enjoy your first time with your in laws. I remember my first time meeting them, thats an other crazy story. 😉

  5. Yummm! I’m sending you my address so you know where to send me my jar. 🙂

  6. Cranberry pecans? Now my world is complete! I adore both, bringing them together…well a happy dance may occur;-) Love the pie filling recipe, really sounds delicious:-) Your gift ideas are perfect! Hugs, Terra