Our pecan supply was almost depleted. So, since I really didn't have anything to do today, I designated today as "shelling" day. So I set up a spot so I could be in the sunshine and still hear the radio. Grabbed a big pan of pecans, the old pecan cracker that has been around here forever, a cooler with a six-pack of beer and went to work. Our pecans aren't very big anymore. (Or did they just seem bigger when I was a kid???) pecans - size ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) And after about 4 hours, I filled up a gallon-sized bag. This, along with what is already tucked away, should be plenty for my Christmas treats. pecans - gallon bag ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) Hubby is much better at shelling them than I am. His are almost still in perfect halves when he's done. Mine... bits and pieces, which is okay because I need them in pieces for candy anyhow. But... my fingers and hands sure are tired and sore. I think I'm going to look around for a better nut cracker. Why? This is what my brother & I picked up yesterday. Just from one tree... less than an hour. There's plenty more... and at least 1 more tree that has this many on the ground. pecans - lots ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) Yep... I need a better system!
I'll send over my youngest son who is a fruitarian. He loves pecans. He'll bring his own nut crackers so don't worry. The only problem you'll encounter is that he'll probably eat everything he cracks open -and more!!
That a great haul! Pecans are my fav, but I love just about any nut. I remember having to crack the walnuts and pecans for holiday baking when I was a young teen. Now I'm way to lazy to do all that work, just buy them at the big box store already to go. Good luck with your treat making.
I cracked walnuts today. But only enough for 2 cups. Our pecan tree is only about 16 inches high. I doubt it gets pecans. Besides only one grew and dr says I need another one for pollenation. We have a nut cracker for pecans that has a handle. You put the nut in the groove and push down on the handle. How hard you push determines if you get whole, half, or pieces. I'd loan it to you if you lived down the street. dooley
I'd love to be able to pick/grow my own Pecans! They are very expensive to buy here. A bag of shelled Pecans is about $14 in stores.
Eileen... your son is most welcome to get all he want. There's so many left, the squirrels aren't even in a hurry to pick them up! Cuatro.... I had more time than money.... so cracking my own was the way to go this time. Jerry... my hands still feel like they want to cramp up. Next time, I should do just a bit at a time instead of a bunch. Live and learn. Dooley... I going to look around for a better nutcracker. My problem with the old fashioned one was gauging how much pressure to use. And the shells are pretty hard, so I ended up crushing alot of them. Netty... Wow. That is expensive. When I was young, we used to sell most of our pecans. But that place is no longer in business. It's a shame to have so many that won't get eaten when others really want them.
Oh I'm jealous I love pecans and they are quite expensive here too I had to buy a bag at Costco last weekend.
So I get home and do an internet search for pecan crackers. They are priced anywhere from $10 to a $1000! Hubby asked what I was doing and said... why don't you try the one that's out in the garage? DOH! I'd forgotten about it! So I grabbed it and gave it a try. Lever Pecan Cracker ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) It is much easier on your hands, but little shell pieces go flying when you crack the nut. So, it could be used outdoors without a problem. And you also have to mess around with the setting to get just the right amount of pressure. The result was pretty good. Not perfect halves... but much better than the "pliers-like" one. Lever cracker result ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) And while I was doing my internet search, I spotted this other nut cracker. Another "DOH" moment. I have seen one of these around the kitchen! I quickly located it in the junk drawer. Honestly, I had no clue what that thing was for! So, as I found out online, you clip off a bit of both tips. Squeeze Pecan Cracker - step 1 ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) Then you place the nut in the little "holder" and squeeze. Squeeze Nut Cracker - step 2 ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) This one is much neater and would be good to use indoors. And the result was just about the same... near perfect halves. Squeeze Cracker result ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) I believe either of these would be much better than that old "pliers-like" one... easier on the hands and much less waste! So next time maybe I can get more done quicker!
