Go Beyond Pecan Pie

When deciding which dishes to serve at your holiday gatherings this year, consider going beyond traditional recipes and using beloved seasonal ingredients in new ways.

For example, while pecan pie is top of mind for many dessert-makers, it’s also a perfect time to make new dishes with an ingredient like pecans, also known as The Original Supernut. Naturally sweet and nutritious, the pecan lends itself to nearly endless holiday menu inspiration.

Pecan-Crusted Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless prime rib roast (8-10 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon, plus 1/4 teaspoon, kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons fresh black pepper, plus additional for pecan topping
• 1 cup raw pecan pieces
• 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 garlic cloves, divided
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, divided

Horseradish Cream Sauce (optional):

• 1 cup low-fat sour cream
• 1/4 cup horseradish, grated
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 lemon, juice and zest only
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely sliced
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Fresh black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. To make Horseradish Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, horseradish, mustard, lemon juice and zest, and fresh chives. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead of time and refrigerated.
2. To make pecan topping: Heat oven to 325 F. In food processor, process pecans, rosemary, thyme, breadcrumbs, butter, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon mustard, remaining salt and pepper until combined. Set aside.
3. Season prime rib with 1 tablespoon salt and pepper; let sit at room temperature 1 hour. Cut small slits in fatty side of prime rib; stuff with remaining garlic. Rub remaining mustard over top of prime rib and apply pecan topping, making sure to press firm. Transfer prime rib to roasting pan. Place rib roast in lower-third of oven, insert digital probe thermometer in middle and loosely cover top of prime rib with foil so pecans don’t burn. Cook 1 1/2 hours, remove foil and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 120 F. Allow prime rib to rest covered for 30 minutes so juices can redistribute. Serve with Horseradish Cream Sauce, if desired.

Pecan Apple Stuffing

Ingredients:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 pound mild Italian sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or pecan oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 12 ounces herb-seasoned cubed stuffing
• 2 cups tart apples, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1  cup chicken broth, plus additional (optional)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Grease a large casserole dish or 9-by-13-inch pan with nonstick spray. Set aside. In a large skillet, brown sausage, breaking into crumbles. Drain on paper towels. Discard excess grease.
2. In same pan over medium heat, add olive oil. Saute onions, celery and garlic 2-3 minutes or until starting to soften and fragrant.
3. In a large bowl, mix sausage, onion mixture, stuffing cubes, apples and pecans. Add broth and stir to combine. If stuffing mixture remains dry, add additional broth as desired. Season with salt and pepper; stir to combine.
4. Transfer stuffing to a prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15 minutes.