Combing through my favorite blogs for inspiration, I am entertained by a handful of authors whose delivery of thoughts are as varied as the roses growing outside my window. Some are quiet yet insightful subdued in their talent while others a bit more spunky and overt alerting to anyone paying attention, “Hey you, here I am.” If their words had volume in the literal sense and I believe even literally (but not really) their words can be heard and measured by way of decibels. There are writings of authors you know if you were standing right there with them as they spoke you might have to back up to take in all their enthusiasm. Then there are writings of those that, even though their insight is quite provocative, their tone might put you to sleep. I love them all–their style, their delivery, their interpretation-that is. Even the sleeper renditions have their own little uniqueness that inspires. I can appreciate perspective from all points of view. But this new found appreciation I have only learned in the past two years.
It’s very easy to get caught up in the information you readily see but to discover the art behind the scenes is where true inspiration lies. I have adopted this new outlook with everything I approach these days. To know no prejudices, no pre-thoughts, no opinions, no conclusions before I encounter anyone or anything is to know beauty and knowledge in its truest form. If ever we were to give this age of our existence a name I would call it the “Information Age”. Never before has information been so accessible. The Bible spoke in the last days that knowledge will increase and I always wonder if this is what it’s referring to. Given this accessibility to knowledge it is not an easy task to approach new experiences, love, food, happiness, sadness, tragedy and above all people without a pre-conceived idea of how to process through it. It is certainly my objective to widen my world and step outside of my box by forgetting the former opinions while embracing new adventures, new people, new food and new ideas of compassion. And to do this without complaining will be as if to add a cherry on top of the proverbial dish of delight.
This weeks recipe is a dish to experience without prejudice. If you love toasted pecans, then think outside of the usual flavors one would pair with them and consider that with the addition of a few outstanding spices and flowers in this particular case, you might discover a gold nugget of a snack. They are delectable and make a wonderful unique and classy gift for Christmas or house warming gift or how about a gift to say, “You matter!”
Lavender Pecans
By Published: October 4, 2011
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Prep: 10 mins
Lavender Pecans are delectable and make a wonderful unique and classy gift for Christmas or house warming gift or how about a gift to say, “You matter!”
Ingredients
- 1 lbs. pecans
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 T. grated lemon zest
- 1 T. lavender buds rough chop
- 1 1/2 T. rosemary chopped
- 2 egg whites beaten
- 1 tsp. sea salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the sugar, lemon zest, lavender, salt, and rosemary. In another large bowl slightly beat the egg whites. Now mix in the pecans and coat. Once coated, mix in the dry ingredients.
Preheat the oven to 300. On two cookie sheet place a torn out sheet of parchment paper. Now scatter half the batch of coated pecans on each pan making sure there is a little breathing room for each pecan to get nice and toasty.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Pull them out and let them cool. Seal in plastic bags or mason jars.
