By Beth Goulart

The holidays are really upon us now, but you've still got time to whip up one last edible Texas gift. Salty Texas Pecan Caramels showcase the state's number one horticultural crop - and they're festive and tasty, too.  A surprise twist of good flaky salt gives them a savory-sweet flavor that folks will talk about all year.

[recipe after the jump]

By Beth Goulart

Nothing beats a homemade gift during the holidays. And whether your intended recipient is a party host or an out-of-state aunt, it's hard to beat Sweet-Hot Spiced Texas Pecans. This recipe hails from my mother's kitchen and takes only a few minutes to prepare. Alter the cayenne to taste, and make sure it's fresh. Cayenne loses its heat when it sits too long in the pantry, and its zing combined with sweetness is what makes these nuts special. To make sure you get Texas pecans, read the label before you buy. Pecans are our state's biggest crop, but you may find "foreign" ones in Texas grocery stores, too.