Pee-cans! Get your pee-cans here!

Or...is it puh-kahn?

How do you say it?

I use pecans year-round, but they are very popular around Thanksgiving. Pecan pie and it's chocolatey cousin are turkey-day dessert-table staples. Pecans and chocolate go beautifully together! Just ask the DeMet's Turtle Company...

Pecans come from a tree that is a member of the hickory family. There are over 1,000 different types and these nuts love the heat! Turns out, the United States produces the most pecans. They are grown in 15 different states. 

Mostly known as a high source of fat and calories, pecans also have carbs, protein, and fiber. Some people even refer to them as a nutrition powerhouse! They're also a great source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Most of the fat is monounsaturated, aka one of the good fats, known for helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels. Plus, pecans have omega-3 fats, commonly found in fish, nuts, and seeds. These provide energy and help support a healthy body.

Watch out for roasted pecans- as they're often coated with unhealthy oil and/or covered in sugar. Also, store pecans and other nuts in the fridge for a longer shelf life!

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For this recipe, there are a number of ways you can include pecans...

• Chopped and mixed into the batter
• Mixed with melted butter and/or brown sugar and baked on top of the oatmeal
• Mixed with maple syrup and baked on top of the oatmeal
• A combination of these methods! (Just remember that pecans quickly add calories and fat)

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Ingredients in Chocolate Pecan Baked Oatmeal

• Butter or Coconut Oil
• Applesauce
• Brown Sugar
• Maple Syrup
• Eggs
• Vanilla
• Baking Powder
• Flour (I use oat flour)
• Milk (can use dairy free)
• Cocoa Powder
• Old-Fashioned or Rolled Oats
• Chocolate Chips
• Pecans
• Optional: Protein Powder

Is pecan pie healthy?

A single slice can have 500+ calories, 27g of fat, and over 30g of sugar. There are ways to make it healthier, but no, pecan pie is not considered healthy. Pecans are not in short supply, which have many health benefits, but also pack calories and fat. In addition, pecan pie often uses corn syrup and brown sugar. Plus, there's that buttery, flaky crust! Instead, consider this breakfast nod with heart-healthy, whole grain oats!

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