DesertRose  

A Southern cake needs a Southern ingredient, and we definitely find it in pecans. Pecans are a native American nut and are a member of the hickory family. It is the third ranking crop in the United States, cultivated in the States of Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida. They are at their peak when harvested in the fall, but are available year round. A smooth, reddish-brown, one-inch (2.54 cm) long oval shell encloses two golden-brown crinkled lobes with ivory-colored meat. Pecans have a buttery, soft-textured, slightly bittersweet taste that is enhanced when toasted. Their high fat content (over 70%) causes them to go rancid quickly so store in the refrigerator (3 months) or freezer (6 months) in airtight containers or plastic bags.