Bourbon Old-Fashioned Glazed Pecans - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/4 cup Bourbon
1/4 cup dried cherries
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
2 cups raw pecan halves
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 small orange)

Preparation

Combine bourbon and dried cherries. Set aside to soak at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Combine brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir until well-combined.
Toast pecans in large non-stick skillet over medium heat until browned and just beginning to smell toasted, 3-4 minutes. Stir and shake frequently to prevent burning. Add butter to pan. Stir and toss until completely melted and pecans are thoroughly coated.
Add sugar and spice mixture; stir and toss until pecans are evenly coated. Turn off heat and add cherry/bourbon mixture. Stir, off-heat, 1-2 minutes, until everything is well combined.
Return pan to medium heat; stir constantly until liquid thickens and pecans are thoroughly glazed and shiny, 1-2 minutes. Spread mixture in one layer onto parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet, separating nuts so they don't stick together. Allow to cool completely. Sprinkle nuts with orange zest. Transfer to a bowl and serve.