So how was everyone’s Thanksgiving?? My turkey was raw. No, I’m not kidding. You think I’m joking when I call myself a charlatan? RAW TURKEY PEOPLE. First time hosting.
I can laugh about it now. I was not laughing on Thursday. (It was still really tasty, btw. Hard to go wrong with Sage Butter Turkey…even if you have to wait a little longer for it.) But now that we’ve got Thanksgiving out of the way (sorry Thanksgiving) it’s time for CHRISTMAS!!! Specifically Christmas in the form of this Pecan Log.
Guys. I have been waiting for this recipe for years. My cousin’s wife (hi Emily!!) makes these Pecan Rolls every year as gifts and I EAT THE WHOLE THING. Every year. Eric gets maybe one slice (forget the kids) and I eat the rest. It is SO GOOD.
Let’s get one thing straight, I am not a candy maker. (RAW TURKEY, PEOPLE.) Candy making is not for the faint of heart, I know. I’ve never even attempted it, besides the occasional caramel sauce. But I did it! And you can too! You must! It’s so good. First you make the nougat. It is the best part. It is creamy and rich and vanilla-y and a little bit grainy but not in a weird way. Then you let that chill while you make the caramel. Then wrap the caramel around the nougat (it takes some practice but it’s really not bad. I took pictures for you! (below the recipe) There is still caramel on my camera. You’re welcome.) Then you place pecans on the outside and chill for a bit, then slice and eat!
I know what you’re thinking. Ain’t nobody got time for that. And it’s certainly not an every day treat (like these 30-minute Almond Roca Bars, or these 2-Ingredient Nutella Puffs) but if you can’t spend an afternoon making candy at Christmas time, then when can you? These keep great in the fridge or freezer, so you can make them well ahead of time. Mine are already in the freezer and I will gift them to my neighbors as the holidays get closer. You have to tell me if you try this! Snap a quick photo and share on social using #thefoodcharlatan so I can see it! Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter
Butter that pan really well. And make sure you use a good candy thermometer.
This is the nougat layer. It will start out thin but get thicker as it cools.
When it is cool enough to work it with your fingers, form it into 7 logs about 5-6 inches in length.
Here is the caramel layer. When it is cool enough that you can make cuts, slice into 7 strips.(I know there are only 6 here, I forgot the first photo).
The caramel is pretty sticky at room temperature.
Shape it into a log, line it with pecans, then wrap it in wax paper and tape it shut.
Wrap it in cellophane and tie the ends! You will be everyone’s favorite neighbor this year. Here are some other neighbor gift ideas! Cinnamon Honey Butter: «this is a HUGE reader favorite! 4 ingredients and done in 5 minutes!
The Best Lemon Curd « no one can say no to this :)
Easy Sugared Cranberries: « these are so festive!
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies « If you are going to gift cookies, make these ones!
Maple Pecan Granola with Cherries « a not-so-sweet gift idea
Maple Bacon Fat Caramels from Snixy Kitchen Crockpot Candy from Fake Ginger Praline Crack from Cookies and Cups
