Insanely Good Maple Glazed Pecans Stuffed with Blue Cheese
This appetizer will wow your friends. The sweet maple taste of the pecans mixed with the earthiness of the blue cheese is a delightful combination. Try these Maple Glazed Pecans stuffed with Blue Cheese by themselves or on a charcuterie board.
Maple Glazed Pecans with Blue Cheese Ingredients
Pecans
These buttery nuts are a nutritious snack. They contain many vitamins and minerals that help our bodies. According to WebMD’s article: Health Benefits of Pecans, pecans are high in calcium, potassium, and magnesium which all help lower blood pressure.
Most of the fat found in pecans is a healthy type called monounsaturated fat. Eating foods with monounsaturated fat instead of foods high in saturated fats (like potato chips) can help lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol. Keeping your LDL cholesterol low cuts down your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
Health Benefits of Pecans, WebMD
Besides helping with heart health, Pecans also help with Arthritis relief. Pecans contain Omega-3 fats, which help with reducing inflammation. Moreover, pecans are loaded with antioxidants which protect our bodies from cell damage and ward off diseases.
Nuts are always a great snack option. However, they are high in calories and fat, so stick with a 1/4 cup portion.
Maple Syrup
A natural sweetener, maple syrup is a better pick over white sugar. While the sugar content is still high in maple syrup, it does have some antibiotic properties. This delicious syrup has a slightly lower glycemic index than white sugar, causing a lower rise in blood sugar levels.
Spices
When pecan and maple syrup are involved, you gotta throw in some cinnamon. They are the Jack, Janet, and Chrissy of warm your soul food pairings.
There are 2 optional spices to throw at these little gems: salt & pepper. A sprinkle of salt brings the maple glazed pecans to another level. To add a bit of spice, fresh ground pepper is a delicious addition. Feeling bold? Go cayenne!
Blue Cheese
The earthy flavor of blue cheese goes so well with these maple glazed pecans. Not a blue cheese fan? Try goat cheese, aged cheddar, or brie. If going aged cheddar, grate it or shred and chop so it mixes with the Greek yogurt.
With brie, no Greek yogurt is needed. Cut to a size that will fit on the pecan, let come to room temp and sandwich in between 2 pecan halves.
Greek Yogurt
Just a little Greek yogurt is added with the blue cheese to make it easier to pipe onto the pecans so they can stick together.
How to Make Maple Glazed Pecans
Make these tasty treats in about 15 minutes on your stove top. It’s important to be paying close attention to these, as they can burn quickly. Follow these steps to deliciousness:
- Throw all the glazed pecan ingredients into the pan.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir occasionally, until all liquid has evaporated.
- Spread pecans onto wax paper (or silpat) to cool.
The pecans will start to look like they are getting a sugary coating. This is when you know they are done.
Blue Cheese Filling
Mix a little bit of Greek yogurt in with the room temp blue cheese so it can easily be applied to the pecans. Be sure to use a fork to smooth out the clumps of blue cheese.
If you want a super smooth cream, use a food processor. I like the bigger bits of blue cheese, so I just use a fork. Once incorporated together, put in a piping bag (or zip top bag), snip the end and you’re ready to top the pecans!
How to Assemble
Once your pecans are glazed, and the blue cheese filling is made, you are ready to assemble. Line up half the pecans flat side up. Find pecans similar in shape to pair with each, and place above.
With blue cheese filling in a piping or zip top bag, snip the end big enough for the cream to pass through. Squeeze a bit on each pecan half that is flat side up. Place a pecan matching in size on top of the cream.
How to Store
Store these Maple Glazed Pecans Stuffed with Blue Cheese in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Leftovers
In the rare case that you have any left over, chop them up and throw them on a salad. They are especially good on this Autumn Apple with Maple Cinnamon Dressing.
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Maple Glazed Pecans Stuffed with Blue Cheese
Equipment
- 1 Large Non-Stick Saute Pan
- 1 Silpat Mat optional (or Wax Paper will work)
- 1 Piping Bag or Zip Top bag
Ingredients
Maple Glazed Pecans
- 2 cups Pecan Halves
- 1/3 cup Pure Maple Syrup
- 1.5 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4-1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/8-1/4 tsp Fresh Ground Pepper or Cayenne optional
Blue Cheese Filling
- 3 oz Blue Cheese such as Roquefort
- 1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt Fage 2%
Instructions
- Put all Maple Glazed Pecan Ingredients into a non-stick large saute pan. Bring to a gentle simmer. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn't burn.
- Stir occasionally until all maple syrup has evaporated. The pecans will start to look like sugary. Remove from heat, and place on silpat mat or waxed paper to cool.
- While pecans are cooling, make the blue cheese filling. Mix blue cheese and Greek yogurt together with fork, breaking down the clumps. Once they are incorporated, put in piping (or zip top) bag. Snip the end, creating a big enough hole that the little cheese clumps can get out. If one gets stuck, just squeeze it through with your fingers.
- Place half of pecans flat side up. Pipe or squeeze the blue cheese filling on top of the pecan. Top with pecan similar in size. Enjoy!
Comments
These tasty bite size appetizers is so good!!
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