Ok these are good but very naughty. However I make no apologies for this. They are perfect for a day like today when it is freezing cold and snowing (!) and you are in need of a little pick-me-up. I always keep a bag of pecans in my cupboard so that these can be made on the spur of the moment if someone I know is in need of something to lift their spirits.

Buttered caramel pecans

2 egg whites

100grams melted butter

200 grams caster sugar

300 grams whole pecans

1 tsp cinnamon

Whisk the egg whites to form stiff peaks. Fold in the sugar one spoon at a time as if you were making a meringue, whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Stir in the pecans and cinnamon and pour over the melted butter. This will reduce the size of the meringe considerably. Stir to ensure that all the pecans are coated. Pour the pecan mixture onto a baking tray lined with grease proof paper and bake in a moderate oven (Gas Mark 5/180oC) for 25 minutes until caramalized and golden brown. It is important to take the tray out of the oven every 10 minutes and move the pecans around to ensure that they don't burn. Leave to cool. They are very moorish, never last long and are also delicious as a topping on vanilla ice cream.