Buy them according to how they will be used in your recipe. Broken pieces are less expensive than whole and shelled are more expensive than unshelled. For our tart, we will need pecan pieces for the filling and pecan halves for the topping. Our tart combines some unusual complementary flavors to enhance the finished pie. Brown or maple sugar offers more caramel flavor.
Bourbon gives the pie some spunk.
Spices include cinnamon and nutmeg, but you can also add cassia, cardamom and ginger, if you like. A little bittersweet chocolate enriches the flavor and offers a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet flavors. First, take the pecan halves and dredge them through a mixture of beaten egg whites with a tablespoon or so of water to coat well. Drain in a medium sieve. Prepare a blend of granulated maple sugar or white sugar with a few favorite spices.