April 14th - National Pecan Day

Are you feeling a little nutty today? Perhaps this is because it is National Pecan Day. Pecans are delicious nuts that pack a big nutritious punch. Pecans are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Just eating a handful of pecans each day may help prevent heart disease, cancer and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s. In addition to these benefits, pecans may promote weight loss and lower cholesterol. No wonder this little nut has a day of celebration all to itself.

In honor of the pecan, lets get a little nutty today. Tell knock knock jokes. Here is one that is sure to make you smile.

Knock knock

Who's there?

Pecan

Pecan who?

Pecan somebody your own size!

Just by doing a quick search online you can find hundreds of clean jokes to share with your family.

Another nutty activity you might like is to play “who’s the nuttiest.” Put on a competition with the members of your family and whoever comes up with the nuttiest costume wins.

Whatever you do, just be nutty today. Children and adults alike get a kick out of being nutty once in a while. You can say silly things, sing silly songs or show off a couple silly dance moves.

You can’t truly celebrate National Pecan Day without making your favorite pecan recipe. Although this may not be the healthiest way to enjoy pecans, here is my favorite pecan recipe.

Chunky Pecan Pie Bars by Nestle

CRUST

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

FILLING

3 large eggs

3/4 cup corn syrup

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 3/4 cups (11.5 oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks

1 1/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

FOR CRUST: Beat flour, butter and brown sugar in small mixer bowl until crumbly. Press into prepared baking pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

FOR FILLING: Beat eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, butter and vanilla extract in medium bowl with wire whisk. Stir in chunks and nuts. Pour evenly over baked crust. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until set. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.