Pecans

This could be called The Year of the Pecan here! The pecan yield was amazing this year, and all the folks around us who have pecan trees are begging us to come and gather all we want. It is so nice to have such an abundance!!! We've already picked up about 3 bushels-ful off the ground, and there's plenty more! In many places under the trees, it feels like you're walking on a cobblestone street...there are so many on the ground! I know of 2 huge trees that haven't been harvested at ALL! The idea is that we'll gather enough to last the whole year through (like squirrels), but usually we eat them AS WE SHELL THEM, so not very many get stored away nicely shelled! :) Fresh pecans have such a wonderful flavor!

It has been a bit chilly for the last 2 days, so we've not been over there, but the next few days are supposed to be in the 50's and 60's, so we'll be out there picking up pecans on Christmas Eve and Christmas afternoon, I'm sure! It's fun to do as a family.

There are businesses all around which will "crack" your pecans for you, meaning they crush the shells a bit so all you have to do is take the nuts out. You can get it done for about 25 cents a pound....but we decided instead to invest in a really good pecan-cracker. Costs about $20, but it's well worth it! An engineering marvel. Everyone loves using it. The girls all sit around cracking pecans in the afternoons. Friends come over, and it becomes a regular party!

If you'd like some raw pecans, just let us know! We'll gladly send you some free if you want to pay shipping. I wonder how many lbs would fit into a $12.50 Flat-Rate USPS box?!?! I'll find out if someone is interested.

Merry Christmas! Love and hugs and misses to all of you. - Rachel