Sunday : Home and Garden

This Sunday Morning it’s 38 degrees and Rain in South Louisiana. Tomorrow will be 65 degrees and by Tuesday 70 . Typical Louisiana weather for January . In between the Rain to check out the large Pecan tree in the yard. And pick a few for using in recipes.

Pecan tree facts;

Pecan trees are native to America and Mexico, the United States actually produce 80% of the worlds pecans!

Trees will begin producing a few nuts three to four years after planting. Significant production can be achieved in six to eight years. Good production will begin the ninth or tenth year. Trees can be productive for a 100 years or longer

Pecan Shells : Cool weather encourages lots of hours in the yard and you can take your leftover pecan shells and crush them into moderately small pieces. Add the pecan bits to your soil and mix them in thoroughly to produce garden mulch. The shells help retain moisture in the soil, as well as adding an aesthetic appeal to the soil.

Pecan trees lives for 300 years. They can grow to over 150 ft tall and have trunks that measure over 3 feet in diameter. 90% of all pecans are grown in the United States. April 14th is National Pecan Day in the United States.

If I can save any from Blue’s friends :

We have at least Two squirrels that live in the trees and eat the forming nuts. And give Blue something to chase while he’s outside:

This Sunday’s Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick, 112g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup (70g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
•  1 cup (140g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (80g) pecans, chopped

With an electric mixer, beat the butter for about a minute. Add sugar and beat until light, about 1 minute more. Beat in vanilla, salt, and flour, scraping down sides of bowl, just until dough comes together. Fold in pecans. Separate dough into 12 pieces; shape dough into walnut-sized balls. Place 3 inches apart on a baking sheet. Flatten cookies with a glass and Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes.

So Grab a cup of coffee and a cookie and enjoy your Sunday !