It all began in the heart of Keithville, LA. Aunt Pearl Keith Mailhes, a member of the pioneer family that founded Keithville, was a vivacious southern belle known for her penchant for peculiar recipes. In 1920, when she was just 21 years old, Aunt Pearl created something truly iconic - the smoky maple-chili candied pecans. This creation, both sweet and spicy, became a testament to her culinary ingenuity. Alongside her delicious recipes, she was also recognized for her flamboyant hats and even more vibrant character. Among her many secrets, the smoky maple-chili candied pecans stood out as the most fierce and memorable.
Laura would often recount how Aunt Pearl would often bribe a squirrel named Otis with her candied pecans. As for Otis the squirrel, he wasn't just a random woodland visitor. According to Aunt Pearl, Otis would check the chicken coop for those unsightly creatures before she went out to get her eggs.
The legacy of these pecans trickled down to Patsy, Laura’s mother. Patsy, initially hesitant, took one glance at the list of ingredients and said, "Smoked paprika? Liquid smoke? Are we making pecans or hosting a barbecue?" But once she tasted them, she was floored. The symphony of flavors – sweet, smoky, spicy – made her a believer, and the recipe became a staple.
Laura, on the other hand, had enjoyed these pecans for years but had always been a tad bit oblivious to the culinary treasure she possessed. One fateful evening, she decided to whip up a batch for a casual get-together with friends. Little did she know, amidst the laughter and clinking of glasses, history was about to be made.
A close friend, who also happened to own a popular store, tried one and nearly fell off his chair. He exclaimed, "I've discovered nirvana, and it's crunchy!" Before Laura could even chuckle at his dramatics, he placed an order for 150 boxes.
From family gatherings in Keithville to shelves of stores, Aunt Pearl's legendary smoky maple-chili candied pecans became a sensation. The tagline - "We shell, cook, and ship the same day!" - was a testament to the freshness of these delights. And now, for those eager to taste this bit of Keithville history, they're available at our Amazon Store.
Today, every time someone pops one of those pecans into their mouth and experiences that burst of flavors, they're not just savoring a snack; they're nibbling on a piece of Keithville history, laced with memories, humor, and a dash of Aunt Pearl's eccentricity. As for Laura, she often jokes, "All it took for our family secret to become a sensation was a squirrel's seal of approval and a friend with good taste... in snacks!"
And there you have it, the nuts and bolts of the most celebrated pecans in town. The end.