National Pecan Day on April 14th annually recognizes the pecan, a nut native to the United States. Highly prized for its flavor and nutritional value, the pecan is a popular snack and a versatile ingredient for making sourdough bread.

About Pecans

  • A member of the Hickory family, the pecan tree is indigenous to the central and southern regions of the United States. It can even be found in New Mexico and Southern Utah.
  • “Pecan” originates from Algonquian, meaning “a nut requiring a stone to crack.”
  • Rich in nutrients, pecans are a good source of copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin E.
  • Pecans can contribute to heart health by helping to lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol levels.
  • They are also a good source of dietary fiber.

Whole Wheat Cranberry and Pecan Bread

Here’s the recipe for Sourdough Whole Wheat Cranberry Pecan Bread:

Yields: 1 loaf Prep time: 30 minutes Rise time: 12-18 hours (bulk fermentation) + 1-2 hours (proofing) Bake time: 45-50 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 ⅔ cups [200g ] all-purpose or bread flour
  • 1 ⅔ cups [200g ] whole wheat flour
  • 1 ½ cups [356g] water, lukewarm (around 80-85°F)
  • ½ cup [120g) active sourdough starter
  • 2 tsp [11g] salt
  • ½ cup [80g] dried cranberries
  • ½ cup [64g] chopped pecans

Instructions:

  1. Autolyse: In a large bowl, combine all flour and water. Mix well with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flour to hydrate fully.
  2. Add Starter and Salt: Add the sourdough starter and salt to the dough. Mix with your hands until the dough comes together.
  3. Stretch and Fold: Every 30 minutes for a total of three sets by following these steps.
    • Wet your hands: Lightly moisten your hands with water to prevent the dough from sticking.  
    • Grab and Stretch: Gently grab one side of the dough and stretch it upwards, pulling it slightly away from the bowl.  
    • Fold Over: Fold the stretched dough over itself, bringing it back towards the center of the bowl.  
    • Rotate and Repeat: Rotate the bowl 90 degrees and repeat the stretch and fold motion. Continue this process, rotating the bowl after each fold for four folds.
  4. Add Mix-ins: Gently fold the cranberries and pecans into the dough during the first stretch and fold sequence.
  5. Bulk Fermentation: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours or until it significantly increases in size and bubbly.
  6. Shape: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into a tight oval or round boule. Place the loaf seam-side down in a lightly oiled pan or into a flour-dusted proofing basket.
  7. Proofing: Cover the basket or pan loosely with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1-2 hours more or until it has risen slightly above the rim of the pan or basket.
  8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
    • Option 1 (for crispier crust): Place a Dutch oven in the oven to preheat for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven and place the loaf of bread inside. Cover with the lid and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 200°F.
    • Option 2 (for softer crust): Bake directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  9. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Do not slice the bread until it is set, which takes about 2 hours

Tips & Variations:

  • Adjust hydration: The amount of water may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the humidity and the absorption of your flour.
  • Whole Wheat Flour: You can use only whole wheat flour for the dough, but the bread will be denser. A mix of all-purpose and whole wheat provides a good balance of flavor and texture.
  • Spices: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough for extra flavor.
  • Toasted Nuts: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the dough will enhance their flavor.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Sourdough Whole Wheat Cranberry Pecan Bread!

Other Ways to Celebrate #National Pecan Day

  • Enjoy pecan-based treats: Indulge in your favorite pecan recipes, such as pecan pies, cookies, or candies.
  • Snack on roasted pecans or use them to garnish salads, desserts, or main courses.
  • Learn about pecan production and the history of pecan cultivation in the USA.
  • Consider planting a pecan tree if you live in hardiness zones 5–9. They can grow in various climates but prefer warm, humid conditions with lots of sunlight.
  • Host a Pecan Day party! Invite friends and family to enjoy a variety of pecan treats, from classic pecan pie to savory dishes like pecan-crusted fish. Explore the versatility of pecans with sweet and savory options, and discover more recipes on the American Pecan Council website.

Share your pecan-related experiences on social media using the hashtag #NationalPecanDay.