Candied Pecans

My craft not only connects me to the Earth, but also to my community. Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing my pots in use in their forever homes. It's also a bonus to know that my own obsession with clay serves a functional purpose in the everyday lives of my customers.  I had several customers today and I was smiling ear to ear as they shared their thoughts about the pottery. One happy customer took home two tumblers and posted them in a photo to Facebook with the comment:

"Happiness is new coffee mugs!"

Another shopper took her time looking around the Gift Shop and picked out several tiny bowls and vases one of which she admitted to feeling compelled to carry around as she browsed because the shape felt so sweet to hold and the light blue glaze was her favorite. She also bought a lamp and proclaimed something to the effect of:

" I'm so happy to find this lamp in my favorite color. I'm going to put it on my bed side table and I'll love having it as part of my bedroom decor."

I've had the pleasure of exchanging a few clay cups with other potters via Instagram recently and they have posted photos of the tumblers I sent with the comments:

"A handmade tumbler. Good way to start a Thursday! Thanks Lyndsay, your work is gorgeous"

"Got a great trade from @TheVeganPotter this week! Love this tumbler!"

I was recently speaking to some friends who bought coffee mugs from me who were commenting on how special it is to drink out of a handmade cup every morning, how their coffee tasted better and how much they were enjoying the objects in their home. I take such pride in knowing that my work is out in the world being used and loved.

I'm so grateful for my loyal customers who share my love of handmade objects and who have supported my journey for nearly two decades. One of the most fun parts of being a potter is giving pots as gifts but what's even better is gifting handmade pottery filled with homemade food! So here's a quick and easy treat you can use to fill up a bowl, a mug or a canister to bring as a gift when you attend a holiday party this year.

If you've purchased pottery from me I'd love to hear what you bought and how you've put it to use in your home. Tag @TheVeganPotter and post a pic on Instagram .Thanks for supporting my obsession and providing forever homes for my work.

Lyndsay's Vegan Candied Pecans

Ingredients

1 Cup Pecan halves

1/4 cup genuine maple syrup

1/2 tsp Vietnamese Cinnamon

in a small frying pan or non stick sauce pan heat the pecans and maple syrup over medium heat. Sprinkle cinnamon and stir with a wooden spoon until the syrup begins to evaporate. Turn the burner down to low and continue to stir the pecans until all of the moisture has been absorbed. They will begin to stick together before they dry out and seperate. Be patient and continue stirring. Once the pecans appear mostly dry turn heat off and pour them onto a plate in a single layer so they can cool. Transfer to your container (if you haven't already eaten them all) and serve!

* This recipe works with most any nut, walnuts, raw cashews, peanuts and more. Feel free to add other spices like cloves or nutmeg as well.