A Quick Holiday Gift from the Microwave

If you're looking for quick Christmas gift from the kitchen -- or a treat to serve at a party -- here's a recipe that takes just about 10 minutes and is cooked entirely in the microwave.

One nice thing about giving these glazed pecans is that the recipient can eat them as a snack or use them to garnish a salad.

I got this recipe from my cousin, Kristen, who lives in Crystal Lake Illinois, with her great husband and beautiful kids. Thanks Kristen!

Glazed Pecans a la Microwave

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
2 - 3 cups pecans
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

In a 2-quart microwave safe dish, melt butter on full power in the microwave, about one minute. Stir in sugar and corn syrup. Microwave on full power 3 1/2 minutes, stirring after each 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir in vanilla.

Place nuts in an oblong microwaveable dish. Pour syrup over nuts, stirring to coat well. Microwave on full power 6-7 minutes, stirring after each minute. Nuts should be shiny and appear roasted.

Separate the nuts and spread out on aluminum foil to cool.

Cool and store in a jar.