December is always full of social gatherings and family get togethers which usually involves all kinds of food! Instead of taking your normal snacks, add this Pecan Brittle to the mix. Pecans are in season mid-October through December in North Carolina and is readily available in your area, even though they are mostly grown in the eastern part of the state. They are a good source of calcium, magnesium and potassium; which helps to lower blood pressure. They are also full of fiber and good heart healthy fats! Try this brittle recipe from the NC Pecan Growers this month! Enjoy!

Pecan Brittle

• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup white corn syrup
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Stir together the sugar, syrup, and salt in a 1 1/2 quart bowl. Cook on high for 5 minutes in the microwave. Add pecans, stir well. Cook on high for 2 minutes.

Add butter and blend. Cook on high for 2 - 3 minutes or until pecans start to toast.

Add soda and vanilla and stir until mixture turns a light caramel color. Quickly pour onto a lightly buttered cookie sheet. Cool and break into pieces.

*Rub butter on the inside of empty bowl. Mixture is not as likely to sugar and mixture pours out easier.