Pecan picks

Strawberries aren’t the only seasonal specialty enlivening winter meals. Another famed Louisiana crop is rolling in and adding marvelous flavor to kitchen creations everywhere. We’re speaking, of course, about the humble pecan. Here are just a few locally served desserts that employ that toothsome pecan crunch: Zea’s sweet potato pecan bread pudding: Part of their limited fall menu, Zea’s mouthwatering dessert combines three elements every Southerner loves: sweet potatoes, bread pudding and pecans. How can you go wrong? Whole Foods’ cinnamon pecan gelato: Whole Foods’ gelato flavors are always full of surprises, but a recent standout has been their seasonal cinnamon pecan. With a creamy, spicy flavor punctuated by crunchy nuts, it’s great to enjoy even in the winter. Mansurs’ Louisiana Lust pie: Mansurs on the Boulevard has long served up a tasty plate of Louisiana Lust—a chocolate chip pecan pie served with a warm chocolate glaze. You can even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enjoy the pie ŕ la mode. Go-Ya-Ya’s chocolate-bacon magic bar: What goes better with bacon than chocolate? Nothing, that’s what—and this delicious snack from the crepe-laden mobile food truck is heaped with pecans and coconut shavings, to boot. Pick one up while you can!