ORANGE PECAN FRENCH TOAST
Prep time : 20 mins • Cook time : 35 mins • Servings : 12
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ⅓ cup butter , melted
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans
• 12 ( 3 / 4 inch thick ) slices French bread
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• ½ cup 2 % milk
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 egg whites
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon confectioners ’ sugar for dusting
DIRECTIONS
• In a small bowl , stir together the brown sugar , melted butter , and corn syrup . Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish , and spread evenly . Sprinkle pecans over the sugar mixture . Arrange the bread slices in the bottom of the dish so they are in a snug single layer .
• In a medium bowl , whisk together the orange zest , orange juice , milk , sugar , cinnamon , vanilla , egg whites , and eggs . Pour this mixture over the bread , pressing on the bread slices to help absorb the liquid . Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour , or overnight .
• Preheat the oven to 350o F ( 175o C ). Remove the cover from the baking dish , and let stand for 20 minutes at room temperature .
• Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven , until golden brown . Dust with confectioners ’ sugar before serving .
MAPLE PECAN SHORTBREAD SQUARES
Prep time : 10 mins • Cook time : 35 mins Servings : 16
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup softened butter
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• ½ cup chopped pecans
DIRECTIONS
• Preheat an oven to 350o F ( 175o C ).
• Combine the flour and 1 / 3 cup brown sugar in a mixer . Mix in the softened butter until a dough has formed . Press into an ungreased 8x8-inch baking dish , and prick with a fork .
• Bake the shortbread in the preheated oven until golden brown , about 20 minutes . While the shortbread is baking , beat the egg in a mixing bowl along with 1 / 3 cup brown sugar , maple syrup , and pecans . Pour the pecan mixture over the hot crust , and return to the oven . Continue baking until firmed , 12 to 15 minutes . Remove from the oven , and immediately run a knife around the edges to prevent sticking . Cool completely , then cut into 1-inch squares to serve .
APPLE PECAN SALAD Prep time : 15 mins • Cook time : 15 mins • Servings : 4 INGREDIENTS
Dressing :
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 shallot , minced
• 1 / 2 teaspoon salt , or to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 / 3 cup olive oil
Salad :
• 6 cups mixed greens
• 1 apple , cored and cubed
• 1 / 2 cup toasted pecan halves
• 1 / 3 cup dried cranberries ( such as Craisins ®)
• 2 slices crisp cooked bacon , chopped
• 1 / 3 cup crumbled feta cheese
DIRECTIONS
• Combine vinegar , Dijon , shallots , salt , and pepper in a small bowl . Whisk in olive oil until dressing starts to emulsify .
• Combine mixed greens , apple , pecans , cranberries , and bacon in a large bowl and toss . Drizzle as much dressing over the salad as you like , and toss again . Sprinkle with feta , and serve .
Recipes courtesy www . allrecipes . com
OZARK LIVING • APRIL 2025 • 19