Over 100 million people look for pecan pie every holiday season and nowhere is the dessert more beloved than in the southern states of North America. In fact, Georgia’s pecan market is worth more than 200 million dollars. So how did sticky sweet pecan treats become popular, and what kitchen tools are best for making the perfect pecan pie to compliment your restaurant's holiday menu?

The History and Significance of Pecans in the South

A rich and flavorful nut, pecans are the only major tree nut native to North America. Native Americans were the first to discover pecans' versatility and nutritional value, incorporating them into their regular diets and cultural traditions. The Algonquian word "paccan" signifies a nut that needs to be cracked open with a stone, giving rise to the term "pecan.” 

While pecans were popular before the Civil War, the commercial cultivation of pecans began in the late 19th century, marking the beginning of their rise to prominence as a significant agricultural crop in the Southern states.

Scientific advancements in hybridization and cultivation continue to shape the pecan industry, producing varieties with larger nuts, higher yields, and enhanced disease resistance. In addition to cultural significance, pecans offer a nutritional bounty, boasting heart-healthy fats, protein, vitamin E, and magnesium. Today, the U.S. is a major global producer of pecans, with Georgia leading the way as the largest supplier of pecans. 

Pecan Treats as a Centerpiece of Holiday Feasts

As the United States grew, pecans became more than a sustenance; the nut became a symbol of the South. The pecan tree soon claimed its place as the tree of Texas, and the North American-born dessert became the state pie of the Lone Star State. In the 21st century, pecans have become a dietary staple of southern American culinary traditions. With its melt-in-your-mouth, nutty goodness, pecan pie has become a beloved centerpiece of family celebrations, particularly in the South during the fall and winter holidays. Who does it best, though? Our own Tina Palumbo.

Here's Tina's Famous Pecan Pie Recipe:

Almost a necessity for the holidays, most chefs enhance their menu with pecan recipes. A popular addition to holiday feasts is Pecan Tassies, bite-sized pecan pies with a buttery crust and sweet pecan filling. Also commonly seen in Southern kitchens are batches of Pecan Pralines, which require the systematic combination of pecans, sugar, and cream for a caramelized confection suitable as a mini dessert or holiday gift. Another simple yet addictive snack, candied pecans, can be prepared by coating pecan halves with a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and salt, followed by baking until caramelized. Candied pecans are a versatile treat that serves as a standalone snack or a topping for salads and desserts.

Whether augmenting a sweet potato casserole with a pecan crust, enhancing stuffing with pecans and cranberries, or incorporating candied pecans into a goat cheese salad, the range of possibilities is nearly endless.

Creating the Best Pecan Dishes with Prática and Montague Ovens

To properly honor the pecan, its culinary history, and Southern roots, chefs need to work with a commercial oven that meets the unique needs of each commercial kitchen. Práctica ovens and Montague ovens are two must-see options for commercial chefs looking to serve the best holiday pecan dishes. 

Prática USA 

The holiday season often presents many challenges for foodservice operators trying to meet increased demand while maintaining operational efficiency. Prática’s Forza STi ventless oven is designed for high-pressure scenarios, offering a range of features that cater to the demands of any busy period. Since it's ventless, there's no need for exhaust hoods or ducts, making it easy to cook anywhere there's space. The STi’s catalytic converter technology turns grease-laden vapor into water during cooking and ensures safety by minimizing the risk of grease-related incidents. Moreover, the removable catalytic converter allows for easy cleaning of the commercial oven without the hassle of scheduling maintenance that may result in lost business.

The Forza STi is a highly versatile kitchen tool, allowing for the configuration of a single or double-stacked ventless oven with optional adjustable feet based on the kitchen's unique setup. Whether stacked for space optimization or used individually for specific tasks, the ovens' removable feet make implementation seamless. 

Montague

Montague ovens allow for high-volume production and keep up with the hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen during the holidays. The advanced technologies and spacious cooking cavities ensure that staff can simultaneously prepare batches of holiday favorites like pecan pie, keeping up with the relentless stream of orders. In a season where time is of the essence, Montague ovens allow commercial kitchens to maintain a rapid turnover of dishes without sacrificing quality.

Durability is a foundation of Montague's kitchen solutions and ensures their commercial ovens are reliable workhorses in any restaurant, hotel, or bakery. Just as critical to customer satisfaction and profits is energy efficiency. In a season where energy consumption tends to spike, Montague's Electric Convection Oven minimizes environmental impact and reduces costs to help operators manage tight budgets.

Plus, the ease of cleaning and maintenance ensures that Montague ovens remain in optimal working condition throughout the holiday frenzy. Removable parts, accessible interiors, and user-friendly controls contribute to the seamless operation of the ovens.

We invite you to learn more about these innovative units -- and try one out for yourself -- by contacting an expert at Pace Reps.