We don't have expensive equipment like that. My father only has about 50 trees. So we gather then the old-fashioned way -- we use our hands or this little roller thing. Can you say back-ache?
Yesterday we finished gathering pretty much all that we're going to gather. This afternoon we finished sorting through the buckets, discarding the bad or "light" ones along with the rubbish that comes along for the ride. And, yes, there is some expensive equipment to do that too. And, no, we don't have it either. What we have is a system. I go through and get the worst ones. My father goes behind and gets the light ones. My mother prefers to operate independently. We're all happier that way.
Why go through it all? Well, we do sell some of the pecans. But they are also excellent for eating and baking. This recipe is something my mother baked when I was a child. I carried the recipe away from home with me and have always used it. It's not too sweet but don't worry. There are plenty of calories.
Pecan Delights
1 cup margarine, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
Using a mixer, cream butter. Gradually add sugar until well blended. Mix in water and vanilla. Slowly add flour. Then stir in the chopped pecans.
It's okay to mix this up ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator. If you're in a hurry, just go ahead and bake.
Use a teaspoon to drop the dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Leave about an inch between each drop.
Bake for 25-30 minutes in a 325 degree oven. These cookies taste much better if you don't get them too brown.
