Whether pronounced 'pee-CAN' or 'puh-CAHN', what do you think of when you hear the word? Um-m-m-m? Let's see...toasted pecans, pecan pie, pecan brownies, pecan sandies, butter pecan ice cream, pecan shortbread, pecan toffee, pecan pound cake, pecan streusel, pecan pancakes, chocolate-pecan mousse, maple-pecan bacon, pecan-honey butter, WHEW! This list can just go on and on and on and on.... And to think, not even mentioned are all the possible pecan toppings, frostings and don't forget the additions to main course menu items since pecans are not limited to just sweet and festive desserts!

April 14...

National Pecan Day

A Bit of Pecan History...

The word pecan comes from the Native American Algonquin language. As the only nuts native to north America, pecans have been eaten for generations in both the USA and Mexico, but they’ve only been grown commercially since the late 19th century. The U.S. produces roughly 90% of the world's pecans, with an annual production of over 250 million pounds. Even though Georgia's nickname is The Peach State, it shares with Texas in being the largest producers of commercial pecans in the United States.

With this being 'pee-CAN' or 'puh-CAHN' day, the most popular way to enjoy these buttery, crunchy nuts is to bake them in a pie. Adding chocolate simply becomes the 'icing on the cake' making it even more delicious.