2011 - A Year in Review

So 2011 has come and...in only a few short hours...will have gone. My how time flies!

This year was pretty tough on the pecan industry. In late spring we had a freeze that hurt some crops and wiped out others in Oklahoma. In the summer we suffered through over 100 days of 100+ degree heat with no rain. The drought and the wildfires took care of what the freeze had missed.

The Montz Orchards did put on about 25% of a crop...thanks in large part to our irrigation system.

Due to the lack of pecans, prices rose considerably this year, but the Pecan Shed was still cheaper than grocery stores and Walmart. Our retail sales were about what they were the year before and that was something to be very thankful for!!! Some of our friends in the pecan business did not even open their stores this year...which is just heartbreaking.

This past year the Pecan Shed also celebrated 30 years of being in business! We had a week long celebration, ribbon cuttings, and more. It still amazes me that my parents had the guts, the drive, and the dedication to make this business work. I remember some years where times were tough (and being a kid...I am sure I was sheltered from a lot of the tough stuff). I remember my parents doing just about anything to make their business successful. It required long hours...sweat...and tears...but the joy was in its success. Thirty years is quite an accomplishment our family and our staff can be very proud of!

We also tried out lots of new fudge flavors...including...Jalapeno, Root Beer, S'mores, Fruitcake, and Watermelon...just to name a few. Some were big hits (my new favorite is the S'mores...it will be the fudge flavor of the month for March)! Some were not such big hits (Watermelon was cool looking but it had an acquired taste to it!)...but all the trials were fun and gave us something new for our customers to taste!

In our "Pecan Shed Family" we had a baby born...a graduation...engagements (yes plural!)...and so many more good things to happen to all my girls. We also had some sad times...and they were sad but we made it through by leaning on each other. Through it all the "family" is still that...family!

The Montz family has grown and changed too...and by that I mean Presley and Dotty are getting bigger and growing up into sweet...okay most of the time sweet...little girls. They are now 6 and 4 years old respectively. Presley started kindergarten and Dotty started her preschool without Presley down the hall. It has been a great year for all of us!

As we look ahead to 2012 we have lots of hope! We hope for rain...everybody start doing their rain dance now!!! We hope for prosperity, peace, and patience. With anything in life you have to take the good with the bad. We hope 2012 is definitely on the good side.

We wish all the best for all our customers and vendors in 2012. May your life grow and be blessed every day.

Happy New Year!

The Fudge of the Month for January is...

...Jalapeno Fudge!

That is right...I said Jalapeno Fudge!

Kathy loves it and so do several others who tried it when we had it available during our 30th Anniversary Celebration. It has a sweet taste with a bit of a kick at the end.

We tried to "spice it up" even a little more this go round...so make sure you stop in for a sample!

We couldn't wait until Monday to make this spicy sweet treat so stop in and get some today to kick off 2012 the right way...with a little heat!

New Year's Resolution...

Let me start by saying this post has nothing to do with the Pecan Shed...the pecan industry...or any kind of nut for that matter...well unless after you read this you think I have gone NUTS!!!
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I believe in guilt...yep...I said guilt!

I believe if I tell enough people about my PERSONAL New Year's Resolution the sheer fact that other people will know if I fail to achieve it will cause me to have so much guilt...I will in fact keep this year's New Year's Resolution.

Every year I make resolutions of all kinds...

Eat better...
Exercise more...
Try something new...
Push myself beyond my comfort zone...
Think outside of my box...

Well this year...I have one resolution. It sort of captures all the other resolutions and wraps them up into one neat little package.

Before December 31, 2012 I will run a half marathon.

Okay...I know for those of you that are in shape and healthy and like to exercise and like to run...13.1 miles (the distance of a half marathon) seems like nothing. But to me it seems like a giant mountain...I can climb it...I just don't really want to.

I do not like to run...I don't really like to exercise all that much either...I am not in good shape whatsoever...and my health is better than most but not as good as it could be.

Even in my hay day of fitness...my senior year...(no date named...I have to keep some secrets)...I still did not like to run and tried to avoid it at all costs. So the thought of running 13.1 miles at one time without stopping seems pretty crazy to me...

So crazy I plan to do it!

I like challenges...I like it when people tell me I can't do something...and I like finish lines...not necessarily the running kind but I always enjoyed looking forward to the end of a class...graduation...etc. I like to be able to work at something...have a goal and either achieve it or not.

I also believe guilt is a great motivator. I feel guilt easy over things and I don't like to feel guilty so I will try to avoid it at all costs...thus I try to do anything and everything I can to not feel guilty.

So...with that being said...I will keep you posted on my training...and I will let you know when I run that half marathon!

If you see me out...ask me how close I am to that finish line! I need the constant reminder!!!

Last Day to Buy Pecans - Jan. 14, 2012

Due to the drought, there are not very many pecans available in this area. Currently we are only buying pecans on Saturdays from 9am until 5pm. However, this Saturday, Dec. 31st, we will be closing at 2pm.

We are paying $1.25 per pound for well filled out new crop pecans.

Because of the lack of pecans, the last day we will buy pecans will be Saturday, January 14, 2012. After that Saturday, we will no longer be able to purchase pecans from the public.

All the pecans we buy from the public are sold to shelling companies either here in the U.S. or in China.

A Bucket of Nuts!!!

We now have holiday buckets filled with cracked and shelled pecans! The bucket of cracked pecans is filled with 8 pounds of pecans for $44.95. The bucket with shelled pecans holds 3.5 pounds of pecan halves and is $39.95.

Both buckets make great Christmas gifts to take to friends, family, or coworkers. They would also be perfect to snack on at holiday parties!

Hurry in while they last! We only have a few available and when they are gone...they are gone!

Fudge Flavor of the Month for December is...

...Divinity Fudge!

While we have actually had Divinity Fudge back by popular demand for a few weeks now...it is officially our Fudge of the Month for December!!!

For those of you who remember how good Grandma (or Aunt BeBe...as in my case) used to make divinity when you were a kid...this fudge will bring back all those great memories in just one taste!

Stop in for a taste! You can buy it by the piece or buy it by the pan!!! Great for holiday parties too!!!

Fudge of the Month Club

Looking for a unique gift to give this holiday season? Send our "Fudge of the Month Club" to all those special "fudge-a-holics" on your gift list this year.

Each month starting January 2012, the recipient will receive three pieces of homemade fudge. One piece of plain chocolate, one piece of chocolate pecan, and the third piece is the Fudge Flavor for the month.

January - Jalapeno
February - Amaretto Chocolate Swirl
March - S'mores
April - Turtle
May - Carmel Pecan Cheesecake
June - Pina Colada

Each box is mailed out on the first Monday of the Month via the U.S. Postal Service. You can sign up for a three month membership (January - March) or a six month membership (January - June). The three month membership is $39.95 and the six month membership is $75.95.

This makes the perfect gift that keeps on giving! Call us at 940-322-0756 or stop by the store for more details or to place an order!

Easy Sticky Cinnamon Buns - 2011 Recipe

1 Package frozen Dinner Roll Dough (use 12 portions)
1 1/2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 small package of Cook-type Vanilla pudding mix (not instant pudding)
1 stick butter, melted
2 cups PECAN SHED PECAN PIECES
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

In a bowl, mix dry pudding mix with brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. In a greased 11x14 baking pan, cover the bottom with all the pecans. Lay the individual balls of frozen roll dough evenly over the pecans. Leave some space between the dough balls. Sprinkle the dry pudding mixture evenly over the frozen dough, making sure to get between all the spaces. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire pan, cover with foil or plastic wrap coated with cooking spray to keep it from sticking to dough while rising. Set in cold oven overnight for the dough to rise. The next morning, uncover the pan. Place back in the cold oven and bake at 400 degrees until the tops are golden, about 15-20 minutes. Take rolls out of oven and immediately turn the pan over onto a prepared surface (foil or a heat resistant tray). Serve immediately.
These are GREAT for the holidays, as you prepare the night before and simply bake the next morning. In addition, your house smells like warm cinnamon buns.

WE SHIP FRESH-SHELLED PECANS ALL YEAR!

Pecan Festival

Tomorrow will be the annual Pecan Festival in Charlie, TX. It will be held at the Charlie Community Center at 1pm. Dad will be the guest speaker. He will talk about drought issues, the global market, and a host of other topics. Since becoming the Texas Pecan Growers Association President, Dad has learned a great deal more about the pecan industry, growers, and where new opportunities now exist for marketing pecans.

At the festival there will be a benefit auction. All the proceeds will go to the Charlie-Thornberry Volunteer Fired Department...and after this summer they sure do need all the help they can get! Items being auctioned off include pies, cakes, candies, crafts, and more! North Clay County has some of the best cooks in the state, so any food items will be well worth the cost!!! In fact, if you can get Barbara Mayo's fudge for under $100 you have got yourself a steal!

There will also be contests at the festival. Some of the games include a pecan pitching contest and a pecan shelling contest. First prize will be bragging rights for an entire year!

For more information, contact Delores Tucker at 940-544-2455. If you would like to go to Charlie tomorrow, the easiest way to get there from Wichita Falls is to take Hwy 79 North to Petrolia. At the blinking like in Petrolia, turn left heading north on FM 810. Follow that all the way to the little farming community of Charlie. There will be a four-way stop to welcome you to Charlie. Go straight. The Charlie Community Center is down about a half mile on the left.

I remember some fun times from when I was little and went to the Pecan Festival. My grandma, Wanda Montz, and her sister, Bernice Burnham (Aunt BeBe), would always make lots of pies and sweet treats. Then I would give it my best in the pecan pick up contest...I don't think I ever officially won, but somehow my name always got mentioned over the loud speaker. I never did compete in the pecan shelling contest though...those people took it very seriously...still do to this day!

KFDX Channel 3's News Report about the 2011 Pecan Crop

Local Producers Keeping Pecan Prices Below Average

Check out this link to see what KFDX Channel 3 reported about regarding the current pecan crop!

Divinity Fudge is Back!!!

The plan was to have Divinity Fudge as our "Fudge Flavor of the Month" for December...and we do still plan on featuring it that way next month.

However...

So many people have requested we make Divinity Fudge NOW we decided to go ahead and start making it early and then carry it on through December.

This fudge has the flavor of divinity and the consistency of fudge. If you like divinity but don't like going to all the trouble of making it yourself then you need to try our Divinity Fudge...it combines the best of both worlds...fudge AND divinity!!!

We still have Pumpkin Pie Fudge available for a little while longer and we also have Cranberry Nut Fudge (it is the Fudge Flavor of the Month for November).

Stop in for a taste...then you can pick your favorite and buy it by the piece or buy it by the pan! Our fudge is perfect for holiday parties, family get-togethers, as a gift for someone special or as a gift to yourself! After all, this time of year everyone needs a sweet treat every now and then!!!

Now Buying Pecans

The Pecan Shed in now buying pecans 9am - 5pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays ONLY. Currently we are paying $1.25 per pound (although this price is subject to change without notice).

The pecans must be new crop pecans...meaning this year's pecans. They have to be in the shell (not cracked or shelled out). They also cannot have the green and/or black hull on them. They must also be clean of leaves, sticks, rocks, and any other trash.

The pecans must be filled out well. In order to verify this, we will crack a few pecans open to see how well they are filled out.

We do have the right to refuse any pecans for any reason.

All the pecans we buy are sold to shelling companies. None of them are resold in the Pecan Shed's retail store.

To sell your pecans, stop by the Pecan Shed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays between 9am and 5pm. We buy pecans on the far right end of the building. Look for the BIG red arrow!

For more information, feel free to call the Pecan Shed at 940-322-0756.

Pecan Harvest Down - KAUZ-TV: NewsChannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TX

Pecan Harvest Down - KAUZ-TV: NewsChannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TX

Click to view the news story recently done about our pecan crop. Jake did a fabulous job! The torch has truly been passed from father to son!

Me....well...I don't think I will quit my day job any time soon! Cameras make me sooooo nervous!

New Crop Cheyenne Pecans are Here!!

Today the boys from the orchards brought us in some Cheyenne pecans in the shell. We now have Cheyenne pecans available in 5 pound bags. In the shell is $23.75 and cracked is $25.75.

We will have shelled Cheyenne pecans available soon!

Cheyenne pecans are light in color and are really good for baking. Some people think they have a "sweet" taste to them. They are great for pies, pralines, cookies, and all sorts of other tasty treats!

We still have Pawnee pecans available and we are expecting to have the Wichita and Choctaw pecans in around Thanksgiving.

Fudge Flavor of the Month for November is...

CRANBERRY NUT FUDGE!!!

This fabulous fall fudge flavor will only be around for a limited time so hurry in while it lasts!!

We still have Pumpkin Pie Fudge along with all our other great favorites like Chocolate Pecan, Butter Pecan, Turtle, Tiger, Dark Chocolate Pecan, Mint Chocolate, Plain Chocolate, and our Sucrose Free Chocolate Fudge for those of you on special diets.

Stop by the Pecan Shed Monday through Saturday 9am - 5pm to try all our delicious fudge flavors and pick your favorite to take home. Buy it by the piece or buy it by the pan!

NEW CROP PECANS ARE HERE!

New Crop Pecans Have Arrived!!!

We now have new crop Pawnee pecans available in the shell, cracked and shelled. Straight from our orchards in Charlie, TX, these pecans are truly some of the BEST pecans in Texas!!!

We have the in the shell pecans available in a 5-pound bag for $23.75. We also have cracked pecans available in a 5-pound bag for $25.75.

If you would prefer to have shelled pecans we have them packaged in several ways:
12 oz bag - $7.95
1 pound bag - $9.95
3 pound bag - $28.95
4 pound bag - $37.95

We will have the Cheyenne pecans very soon! The Wichita and Choctaw pecans will be available closer to Thanksgiving.

Stop in for FRESH, LOCAL pecans!

Ribbon Cutting with the Chambers!

A big thank you to the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce, the Gold Coats, and the Clay County Chamber of Commerce for helping us celebrate 30 years of being in business.

Today we had the Wichita Falls group out at 10am and what a great way to start off the day! The weather was nice, the fudge was delicious, and the pecan pie and coffee were a huge hit! Thanks to Molly and Jake for attending and a big thank you to my staff for all the help in getting ready for this event...especially Kathy and Helen who worked HARD for two days making lots and LOTS of fudge!!!

This afternoon we hosted the Clay County group at 4:30pm and that was a nice way to end the day...getting back to our roots. The Pecan Shed and the Montz family have been a part of Clay County for decades! We are proud to be a part of this chamber and support such a great organization.

I want to especially thank Betty Ellsworth for helping me to set up this event! Betty answered the millions of questions I had and helped me to be prepared down to the last detail! Plus she came with a big bow and giant scissors!!!

A Little History...30 Years in the Making!

Thirty years ago, on November 2, 1981, Tim and Molly Montz started their family business in a small wood framed shed on Hwy 79 in Byers, TX. Due to their buildings general appearance (and Tim’s lack of imagination), they decided to name their business “The Pecan Shed”. Little did Tim and Molly know how their store would grow and change over the years. Now the Pecan Shed is much more than just pecans. It has a wide selection of Texas gifts, home décor, and collegiate items. They also make their very own delicious homemade fudge. However, they still stick to the roots of the family business…locally grown, top-quality pecans.
The Pecan Shed was originally only open for business November through March selling in the shell and cracked pecans grown in leased orchards. Then in the fall of 1985, Tim and his long time friend, Bobby Elledge, along with Phillip Helm, built a new metal building to support the growing pecan business. This new Pecan Shed had a retail area, warehouse, office, and even indoor plumbing (no more running across the street to Reed’s gas station). As business grew, Tim and Molly decided to open another store location in Wichita Falls on Call Field Road. This location, called the Garden Patch, was open year round. In the fall and winter, the Montz family and staff sold pecans and in the spring and summer they sold produce grown by Tim or other local farmers from the Red River Farm Trail.
Business continued to grow. Thus, in 1994, the Montz family closed down the Garden Patch and built the Pecan Shed at its current location, 1401 Midwestern Pkwy. Even this building has seen change and growth over the past 17 years. Now, the Pecan Shed is an almost 10,000 square foot building which houses a large retail area, walk-in freezer, storage and packaging rooms, offices and a very busy fudge kitchen.
The Pecan Shed is open year round selling local pecans grown in the Montz Orchards. Tim and his family began planting trees in 1987 and their orchards have grown to include 800 acres and over 25,000 trees. Looking back 30 years ago, Tim can see how much his pecan business has grown. While buildings and locations have changed over the years, the best improvement has been in the pecans. Varieties have changed from the older pecans such as Burkett, Stuart, Mahan, and Success to the “improved papershell” pecans which include Pawnee, Cheyenne, Wichita and Choctaw. These new and improved papershell pecans fill out with more pecan meat, they are less susceptible to bugs and disease, and they are able to weather droughts better (although this past drought was hard on everything).
Tim and Molly have both tried to retire over the past few years. While Tim does more hunting and fishing, he still has a close eye on the family business. As proof that it is hard for him to let go, he kept the original “shed” building that the Pecan Shed started in and has turned it into a hunting cabin located in one of his pecan orchards. Tim can be found out in the orchards throughout the year and Molly will be at the retail store during the busy times.
Their children, Jake and Jill, are now managing the family business. Jake runs things out at the orchards and Jill handles the retail store. Some employees have been around for many years, but one has been there since the beginning. Kathy McGhee has helped out at the Pecan Shed since it opened, but officially got a paycheck starting in 1984. She is now not only Jill’s “right hand lady”, but she is also the one in charge of making the Pecan Shed’s delicious homemade fudge.
The last 30 years have been filled with lots of blood, sweat, and tears for the Montz family as well as a great deal of laughter and love. “Family Owned and Grown” is not just a saying for this business…it is what this business and the family that owns it represents. Tim and Molly taught Jake and Jill a simple formula for success…great pecans and outstanding customer service gave the Pecan Shed its roots and will continue to help it grow for years to come.

New Hires!

My "holiday help" is starting to arrive today and throughout the rest of this week. We always hire several temporary employees to help us get through the busy holiday and pecan season. I advertise for these positions through word of mouth, the MSU part time job fair, and by the grace of God.

This year I have several great staffers coming back for our "holiday rush"...Tara, Becky M, Chase, and of course my mom (who has been trying to go part time for the past 6 years...since Presley was born). I have lots of new members that I hope will love working here! They include Alisha, Amy, Becky H, Caitlin, and Helen. (Helen was truly a gift from God. I could not find ANYONE to make our fudge for us and one day I just prayed and let go and let God...and Helen called. AMEN!)

Of course my year round staff is awesome too! Some of these girls will be completing their last pecan season with me (since they will be graduating from MSU) which is sad but I love them all...Kathy (my second mom and the one who REALLY knows what is going on around here), Joanna, Tiffany, Desiree, Kayla, and Chasa!

I hope you will all come in to see my staff and I KNOW my staff will make you feel welcomed and be able to help you in any way they can. If they don't...then you let me know!!! :) All jokes aside...email me at pecanshed@aol.com if you ever have a comment, compliment, or complaint!

30 Year Old Shed Shirt

Thirty years ago, when Mom and Dad opened the Pecan Shed, they did not have a lot of extra money for advertising. Mostly they relied on word of mouth and free media coverage. Mom did try to create a "staff" shirt though...of course back then the staff at the store was her (and when Kathy stopped by for a visit she helped out too).

The shirt I am wearing is 30 years old...yep 30! Mom had it done at a place in the mall. All I know to say is these fuzzy iron-on letters have really stood the test of time! I am not sure what they used to stick them on back then, but I have a feeling it may have been banned at this point...nothing lasts that long anymore!

There have been many times in my life that I have criticized my mom for hanging on to stuff. One such time was when I cleaned out her closet at home...it took me two days and over 13 XLARGE heavy duty black trash bags!

However, I am glad that Mom has held on to a few things...this shirt is one of them. It is a part of history...my history...Dotty's history. Some day I can pass this yellow t-shirt down to either Dotty or Presley (or both...they don't share well now, but hopefully in 10 years they will).

While this shirt doesn't have the ability to tell me stories from 30 years ago, it has been fun to hear those stories from my parents and others. I always took pride in the Pecan Shed and in being a "Montz", but after hearing what my parents sacrificed in order to make our family business not only survive but succeed... I am even more proud of both of them.

Let's just hope Jake and I don't screw this up! :)

Times Record News Story

Today in our local newspaper, Times Record News, Judith McGinnis wrote an article about the Montz Orchards and the Pecan Shed. She interviewed Jake and took some nice pictures. There is a lot of good information in there (as much as I hate to admit it...my older brother knows what he is talking about).

If you have a moment read it over...

http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2011/oct/10/drought-taking-a-toll/

New Crop Pecans Coming...SOON!

Dad, Jake, and the guys out in Charlie have just begun to run shakers and harvesters. Soon our cleaning plant will be humming with activity getting all the pecans ready for our retail store. We should have new crop pecans available at the Pecan Shed sometime around the end of this month.

As you may have heard...we had a drought this year. Yep...no rain...100 days of 100+ degree heat...all that did not do much good for our pecan trees.

BUT...yes friends there is a but!!! Thank the heavens for a "but"!

We do have pecans this year!!! Just not many of them! So what does this mean for you???

Well...the good news is you can still have pecan pie, pecan fudge, pecan ice cream, and all those other pecan goodies. The bad news is pecans are going to be more expensive this year...quite a bit more I am afraid.

The U.S., as a whole, is expected to be 30 to 50 million...yes I said MILLION...pounds short of demand. And if I remember correctly from Dr. Patterson's Econ101 class...when demand exceeds supply that causes the price to go up.

I have not heard what the exact pricing for pecans will be yet...but that information should be coming out soon. We will be offering our in the shell and cracked pecans in 5 pound bags again this year (100 pounds is the minimum for wholesale). We will have shelled pecans available in either the 1 pound bag or the 4 pound bag as always, but we have added two new sizes this year. We now have a 12 ounce bag and a 3 pound bag of shelled pecans available. We do still wholesale shelled pecans in 30 pound bulk cases.

If you need pecans and cannot wait until new crop comes off, we do still have some of last years pecans available that have been frozen (thus they have about one year of quality left in them). We have shelled pecans available from the 2010 crop in the Wichita and Choctaw varieties as well as pieces.

Dating an Aggie

I have many "Aggies" in my family. My Papa, Uncle Donny, Aunt Patty, and several cousins have all gone to A&M (and that is just the immediate family). Jake graduated from Tarleton State University (which is a part of the A&M system) and I went there my freshmen year (I graduated from MSU).

However, I have never noticed how hard it is to find Texas A&M "stuff" in Wichita Falls until I started dating an A&M alum (aka...fanatic). Robert not only bleeds Aggie Maroon (not to be confused with the other schools who have maroon as a color), but he also lives and dies with the football team (which is KILLING him lately...and not making my Saturday nights much fun either). He also has a lot of A&M merchandise. You name it...that boy has it.

Unfortunately, when we made plans to attend an A&M game earlier this year I was shocked to discover how hard it is to find A&M stuff in this area! I couldn't even find a tshirt (in my size...apparently most Aggies are thin...all the shirts left in Wichita Falls were 3XL)!

The good news is the Pecan Shed carries A LOT of A&M "stuff". We have totes, bags, coolers, jewelry bags, coasters, car coasters, golf balls, dominoes, stuffed bears, sock monkeys, magnets, flags, picture frames, shot glasses, travel mugs, coffee mugs, knick knacks, and even garden gnomes! Just to name a few things!!!

And due to the shortage of "A&M availability" I have plans to expand our A&M line. Keep watching for new items to come in!

With Christmas just around the corner, make sure you stop by the Pecan Shed to get all the Aggies on your list the perfect gift! Gig 'Em (while you can)!

Local Honey

Many people suffer from allergies. In fact, one report says over 36 million people suffer from allergy symptoms here in the U.S. I have several friends with runny noses, watery eyes, and an overall miserable disposition when they are having a hard time with their allergies.

Over the counter medicines, prescriptions, and injections are all used to offer help for allergy sufferers. Another type of natural medication is thought to be honey...and the best kind is the honey you can find in your local area.

The Pecan Shed sells local honey from Jean Bouchard. We have 16 ounce bottles for $8.95 each. Currently we are carrying the "clover" honey. If you are looking for something to give you some relief from your allergy symptoms you might want to give local honey a try.

Pumpkin Pie Fudge is Back!

Back by popular demand...Pumpkin Pie Fudge (with or without pecans). This fudge is so popular we get requests for it year round but we only make it in the fall. We have it planned as our Fudge Flavor of the Month for October but we just could not wait any longer!!!

Stop in for a taste today! If you like pumpkin pie then you will LOVE this fudge!

Cooler Weather and RAIN!!!

Don't look now but we have had a front move through and we have below average temperatures and RAIN!!! We still need a lot of rain to make up for the drought we had but with every drop we are off to a good start.

Believe it or not, rain now is what we need for next year's crop. Our trees need rain now to survive and be able to produce again in the future. So keep up the rain dances and all the prayers...farmers, ranchers, orchard owners, and everyone as a whole still need those heavenly drops of moisture from the skies!

Bad But Better Than Most...

So many times lately I get asked the question...

"How will your pecan crop be this year?"

My reply is always, "Bad but better than most."

The Pecan Shed will have pecans for our retail customers this year. However, it is our wholesale customers that will suffer. We have such a limited crop, we will not be able to wholesale much...if anything.

But we are the lucky ones.

Some pecan growers around this state and elsewhere have absolutely no crops. Theirs were either froze out by a late freeze back this spring or burnt up by the drought this summer (some of them even burned in the fires raging across this state). My heart truly goes out to these growers, their families, their employees, and their customers.

No one ever said farming was easy...at least no one that ever did it for very long...and this is just one of those tough years that we will all have to "hunker down" as my dad says and try to survive until next harvest.

I pray for rain, for better crops, and for those who are really struggling to make ends meet.

Pecan Crop Predictions...

The outlook for pecan crops this year is bleak. As a matter of fact the outlook for any crops this year is bad. Since I have seen cactus dying in this weather I think you might even have a hard time being a "cactus farmer"...if there was such a thing.

Jake and our staff out in our orchards are working overtime trying to not only save what crop we might have left but also try and save our trees for future harvests! If a pecan tree dies it will take over 8 years for a replacement tree to begin production. So a lost tree is not only a lost crop...it is a lost crop for 8 consecutive years...and that is if everything goes right during those 8 years.

I know the experts are predicting a pecan shortage for the U.S. somewhere around 30 million or more pounds. If any of you have had basic economics then you know that when demand exceeds supply this causes prices to rise. With this being said, be ready for higher pecan prices this upcoming season.

Just In Today...New Coffee!

We just got a shipment of super cute new coffee packages from our supplier out of Tyler, TX. If you are looking for a cute gift for a great price check out these new items!

Cowgirl Coffee, Stagecoach Coffee, Cowboy Coffee, and Thanks A Latte Coffee

At only $2.95 each bag makes a pot of coffee (8 to 10 cups). It is the perfect gift!

Stop in to check them out. Of course we still have our other great flavors like Southern Pecan available.

Coming soon...pumpkin flavored coffee for the Fall and Christmas Coffee for the holidays!

Trip Down Memory Lane...

Going through all the files has brought back a lot of memories...some of them sweet...some of them bitter sweet. Have you ever noticed the things that you save...that you hold on to? Have you ever come across something later and wondered...why in the heck did I save this?

I have wondered what my mom was thinking many times during this process of cleaning out her old office. I know my mom is sort of a "pack rat" but some of the stuff she has saved has just cracked me up. She kept product brochures from 2003. Pretty sure most of that stuff is "out of stock" by now. She kept whole notepads in which only one page was written on and the rest was empty. Now these "steno" notepads had to have been from the 80s I swear!

But she also kept newspaper articles about the Pecan Shed. She even has a copy of the original letter she sent out to prospective buyers when the Pecan Shed moved to our current location. She kept pictures of us planting trees at our "Parker Place" location. She kept old Pecan Shed labels...back when we had an 817 area code. She kept one of my grandma's checkbooks too.

While I might not always understand my mom's need to not throw away things...anything! I can appreciate her sense of family...her need to stay connected to the past...her love for this store and all the blood, sweet, tears, and joy that went into making it the success it is today.

While I can't "file" away Mom's love for our family and this store...I can carry on that tradition. And that is exactly what I plan to do...only with a less cluttered office! :)

Jalapeno Fudge

Introducing "Jalapeno Fudge"!!!

You may think we have lost our minds but for those of you who like the flavor of jalapenos, who like things a little spicy, and who want a bit of a kick...you have got to try this new fudge flavor.

Kathy has been chomping at the bit wanting to make this fudge for some time now...and with the holidays around the corner we decided to give it a spin. If it turns out to be a HUGE hit we will offer it on a more regular basis.

Now I am not a big fan of spice. (Sometimes pepperoni slices can be too spicy for me...I know I am a total whimp!) But the fudge does look very neat and like nothing we have had before.

It is at least worth a sample taste! Stop in and tell us what you think!!! And if you need to...ask for a sip of water too!!!

Epic Drought

This morning while I was working out at the gym, I heard a news report on the Today Show talking about the extreme drought in Texas. It was so sad to see all the farmers talking about lost crops, having to sell off livestock, and some of them closing down their family farms. It was crazy to see boats sitting on dry land and to see wild animals going into residential areas just to find water.

The reporter said Texas would need at least 17 inches of rain to get out of our "state of drought". I think 17 inches would help out tremendously, but we will still need it to rain often for the next several months.

According to KAUZ's website, as of today, it has now been 45 days without rain and there have been 64 days of 100 degree and above temperatures in our area. This just breaks my heart.

I know water restrictions are fast approaching and I have about given up on all my potted plants at home. My only hope is to save the perennial flowers I have planted in my flower beds.

With all this being said, the outlook for pecans is not good. We will have a short crop and we will be lucky to have any crop at all.

Jake and our staff out at the orchards are working to keep water pumping from our wells to save our crop. We are some of the lucky ones to have water wells we can use on our land. Many pecan growers around the state have already lost entire crops due to this drought.

Pray for rain. Pray for rain...not only for the farmers that need it...but because everyone needs it. These drought conditions will have a ripple effect causing prices to be higher for everything from food to clothing.

Pray for rain...lots of it!

The Fudge Flavor of the Month for August is...

...Pina Colada Fudge!!!

This is one of Kathy's absolute favorite fudge flavors...so of course she decided to make it a few days only!!!

Stop in for a taste!

And while you are here get some Watermelon Fudge...once it is gone it will be gone until next summer!!!

Desperate Times...

I know God knows our needs. I also know He will provide for us. I also know my 3 year old has been praying hard for rain!

Times are getting very desperate around here. We are about to enter a sever water shortage which will mean limited to almost no watering.

For those of you who might not know a lot about trees...pecan trees especially...they need water...and LOTS of it right now.

Before the pecan's meat solidifies the pecan goes through a "water stage"...thus the need for a lot of water. If we don't get rain or are not allowed to water then the trees will not have enough water to make the pecans fill out properly...or at all in some cases.

I know lots of farmers...and just people in general...are hurting right now. Animals too! Pray for rain! Pray for several days of good, soaking rain to fall all over the state of Texas, Oklahoma, and whichever other states are experiencing drought conditions too.

Dublin Dr. Pepper is back!

Yesterday I made a quick trip down to Dublin, TX to pick up several cases of the 6 packs of 8 ounce Dublin Dr. Pepper bottles . Made with real Imperial Sugar, these Dr. Peppers are truly a Texas original.

I also picked up some Dublin Dr. Pepper cake and frosting mixes as well as Dublin Dr. Pepper syrup. All these make great gifts for friends, family, or for yourself!

Stop in to see all the new items we have!!!

And remember...PRAY FOR RAIN!!!

Fudge Flavor of the Month for July is...

...Watermelon Fudge!

This flavor is not only a must taste...it is also a must see!!!

Kathy did a fabulous job making this fudge taste just like watermelon...only with the texture of fudge. She had to layer 3 colors of fudge and top the whole creation off with chocolate chips but the finished product is just too cute...and too yummy! Stop in for a sample today.

The Pecan Shed will be closed Saturday July 2nd and Monday July 4th. We hope you all have a happy and SAFE 4th of July!!!

Dads Can be Tough...

...to buy for!!! At least my dad sure is!

If your dad is like mine then he has very specific tastes in which I know nothing about (my dad LOVES to fish) and if he needs or wants something he just buys it for himself. Therefore buying my dad a gift is almost impossible.

My dad doesn't wear ties, he doesn't go golfing, he doesn't read books much (unless it has to do with fishing), and he doesn't wear anything other than Wrangler jeans, work shirts, and Redwing boots.

My dad doesn't drink coffee other than the black, unflavored kind. He doesn't smoke cigars and he doesn't follow any sports team with much interest.

My dad is tough! On top of everything my dad can get all the pecans and homemade fudge he wants. It is handy for him since he owns the store!

But if your dad is as hard to buy for as my dad is then you might consider getting him some homemade fudge or candied or spiced pecans for Father's Day. Dads usually have plenty of knick knacks and all kinds of crazy ties so this year give him what he really wants...yummies for his tummy!

We have lots of great fudge flavors like Chocolate Pecan, Turtle, Butter Pecan, Tiger, Maple Nut, Plain Chocolate, Mint Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Pecan and even Sucrose Free Plain Chocolate and Chocolate Pecan for those dads on special diets. The Fudge Flavor of the Month is Orange Cream and it will definitely treat dad's taste buds right!!!

We also have candied/spiced pecans such as Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Creamy White, Praline, Cinnamon, and Roasted and Salted. We have sugar free candied pecans as well. Our candied/spiced are sold in individual bags or we can make up a tin and fill it with up to three different flavors.

Stop by the Pecan Shed soon to find the perfect gift for dad! Father's Day is this Sunday so you had better hurry!!!

New Contest on Facebook

Today we are launching a contest on our Facebook page (check it out at http://www.facebook.com/pecanshed)!

The contest starts today and will end Friday June 17th at 5pm CST. The winner will be announced Saturday June 18th. The prize is a Texas gift bag full of Pecan Shed goodies valued at $100. The winner must come by the Pecan Shed during normal business hours to claim the prize.

The contest is to see how many of our Facebook friends can get their friends to "LIKE" the Pecan Shed's Facebook page. The person who gets the most referrals will be the winner.

Make sure you have tell all your Facebook Friends to "LIKE" the Pecan Shed and have them post who referred them.

Good Luck!!!

We Need Rain...

I was out at the orchards yesterday visiting my dad and things are very dry out there! We are in desperate need of a rain (as many people are right now). We irrigate one orchard, so those trees are not as desperate as the other orchards that are non-irrigated, but a rain would be a welcomed sight for the whole area.

The next few days have our best predicted chances of rain so I am keeping my fingers AND my toes crossed and saying extra special prayers for some rain. (If you drive by the Pecan Shed you might even see us do a rain dance...anything to bring on the moisture).

One of my favorite customers, Troy Monroe, was in yesterday. We were talking about the need for rain and he has such a great positive outlook on life that he simply said "Well, we are one day closer to rain than we were yesterday."

Amen!

Change is Good...

For those of you who know me, I am a creature of habit who likes to change. Thus I am a woman of contradiction (of course most women are).

I am the kind of person who loves my morning routine (and does not like it to be interrupted)...yet I like to take a new route to drop Dotty off at school or go to work.

My wardrobe has been basically the same for 20 years...yet I change my hair color on a regular basis.

I eat the same breakfast almost every morning...yet I like to eat different desserts when I go to a restaurant.

I am also not a fan of surprises...yet I love them at the same time. I like to read the end of a book first to see if I will like...yet I did not want to know if my first child was a boy or a girl. I like to have plans for the weekend so I can plan the "when" but I want to be surprised about the "where".

Today I told my staff (Desiree, Joanna, Kayla, and Tiffany) that I was tired of the store being the same. I wanted it to be different. Then I told them they had "free reign" to do whatever. I did say I would have the final say and might ask them to change some things but overall I gave them the freedom to go wild.

Then I left the store for a few hours.

It amazes me how we all look at the same store every day yet each of us sees different possibilities. Now some of the choices the girls made won't be able to last forever in that state but they will be fun for a while.

Change is good. It shakes up the soul and opens the eyes to new ideas and possibilities. I love letting the girls loose to try new things. Although they will tell you I go behind and change things to the way I want them to be I really don't do that as much as they make it sound like I do!

Pride in the Falls Tshirts

The Pecans Shed has all five styles of the "Pride in the Falls" t-shirts available. Each t-shirt is $20.00 and goes to benefit our community!

So far the fan favorite is the "Red Draw" t-shirt!

Stop in to see all five designs and get your favorite today!

Last Day for Fudge Dipped Strawberries!

Tomorrow is the LAST day for Fudge Dipped Strawberries this year!

Order yours today!

Last Weekend for Fudge Dipped Strawberries

This Saturday...May 7th...will be the last day we are doing Fudge Dipped Strawberries this year! Once they are gone, we will not do anymore until February 2012!!!

Hurry in this Saturday to take advantage of our delicious Fudge Dipped Strawberries before they are gone!

Remember...they make perfect gifts for Mother's Day! Place your order today to ensure we have plenty for you to pick up this weekend.

Wow! What a Wine Festival!

Saturday the Pecan Shed had a booth at the 7th Annual Red River Wine Festival. I am pretty sure we have been at all 7 of the RRWF and there is a good reason why...it is so much fun!

The Wine Festival is hosted by the Senior Junior Forum and is always the 3rd Saturday of April every year. It takes place at the J.S. Bridwell Ag Center and it is a great place for everyone to come out and sample wine, taste a variety of beer, eat delicious food, shop and hear some great music.

This year the Pecan Shed took our delicious homemade fudge and our famous fudge dipped strawberries. We also sold little sample size bags of our Milk Chocolate pecans, Dark Chocolate pecans, and our Cheyenne pecans.

I want to thank my entire staff for working so hard and especially the ones who even volunteered to help at the event!

If you did not make it out to the Red River Wine Festival make sure you mark your calendars for next year! Novice as well as expert wine drinkers and all those in between will find something great at this Festival!!!

Pray for Rain...

Farmers are always complaining about rain. We either have too much of it, not enough of it, or it comes at the wrong time.

In this part of the world though we are usually in desperate need for rain and that is truly the case now. We are in a severe drought and we could use rain...lots and lots of rain!

So the next time you bow your head, please remember that the whole area...heck the whole state...needs rain...not just for the farmers but the land itself is thirsty.

Pray for rain!

Fudge Flavor of the Month for April is...

...Raspberry Chocolate Dream! This fabulous fudge flavor is made with our delicious chocolate fudge and swirled with yummy raspberry fudge to make a tasty treat! Stop in for a sample today.

We also have for a limited time our Key Lime Fudge and Divinity Fudge. Once these two fudge flavors are gone they will not be available again for several months so hurry in soon!

A Great Customer...

Today I received a phone call that one of my most treasured customers had recently passed away. T.A. "Tex" Cox was a native Texan living in Connecticut who knew a good pecan when he tasted one. His favorite pecans were the Choctaw but he actually loved all our pecans. He wanted me to send him the pecans still in the shell so he could crack and shell them himself.

Mr. Cox had been in failing health for some time now, but he put up a good fight. He wanted to stay around to have as much time with his beloved wife Joycie. They have been married for almost 70 years.

I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Cox face to face, but I felt like we were good friends. His phone calls and emails were always a pleasure and he had great stories and wonderful points of view. In reading what others have said about Mr. Cox, it seems that everyone who ever met him was very blessed.

My sincere condolences go out to all of Mr. Cox's family and friends. I am so blessed to have known him.

T.A. "Tex" Cox
Sept. 29, 1921 - March 17, 2011

Texas Waffle Makers Are Back!!!

We just got in a shipment of the Texas Waffle Makers. These make perfect gifts for friends, family, and coworkers...those leaving Texas, those who are wanna-be-Texans, and those who are used-to-be-Texans...they are also unique gift ideas for wedding showers, retirement parties, anniversary gifts and so much more!

Don't forget to pick up a box of the Texas Buttermilk or Southern Pecan Waffle Mix. Add some Toasted Pecan Syrup and you are really in business!

Fabulous Fudge for Spring!

Spring is in the air and even in our delicious homemade fudge!

We now have our plain chocolate fudge decorated with pastel colored M&Ms. This delightful twist on one of our favorite fudge flavors adds a little bit of fun and is the perfect gift for children (and even for those who are still young at heart)!

Another sweet treat combines our chocolate fudge with coconut. Kathy dyed the coconut flakes green to look like grass and put bubble gum "Easter eggs" on top. This fudge is too cute...but not too cute to eat! If you like coconut you will love this fudge.

Hop in and see what all fabulous fudge we have available!

Divinity Fudge is BACK!

Every time we think the Divinity fudge has worn out its welcome and we decide to stop making it we get bombarded with requests for it. Soooo...Kathy was nice enough to make up a few more pans of our famous and delicious Divinity fudge.

I am still amazed how well this flavor does. To me it seems like a very "holiday" time of year flavor. Of course, this would not be the first time I was wrong!

Hurry in and buy a piece today!

New Circle E Candles Fragrances

Just in today...new Circle E Candle fragrances. These fragrances are not necessarily "new" to the Circle E Candle line but they are new to the Pecan Shed.

Fresh Cake, Orange Vanilla, and Wisteria are all now available.

Come "smell" what is new at the Pecan Shed.

(P.S. In order to make room for the new candles we put several scents on our 50% off shelves. Take advantage of this great deal before they are all gone.)

Healthy Facts About Pecans

According to a recent article by Life Extension Foundation, a new research study done at Loma Linda University (located in California) has found more evidence to prove that pecans are in fact a healthy food. Research shows that "eating pecans increases the amount of healthy antioxidants" and these antioxidants are "indeed absorbed in the body and provide a protective effect against diseases" such as cancer and heart disease.

The study had participants eating about three ounces of pecans. The participants were both men and women ranging in ages from 23 to 44 years of age.

To read this article visit www.newsrx.com. To find out more about how pecans can benefit your health visit www.ilovepecans.org.

LAST DAY!!!

Today is the last day we will be buying pecans. We are open from 9am until 5pm. Currently we are paying $0.90 per pound.

Hurry in! At 5pm today we will stop buying pecans and will not buy anymore this season. No exceptions.

Last Day to Buy Pecans

The LAST DAY we will be buying pecans is Monday, March 14th. We will buy until 5pm. When we close on Monday we will no longer be buying pecans this pecan season. All our pecans will be shipped out to a shelling company. We do not resale any of the pecans we buy.

We do crack pecans for the public year round.

Happy Birthday Kayla!

Happy Birthday to our sweet Kayla! Enjoy your special day!

Pecan Pieces on SALE!

Our pecan pieces are now on sale for $7.95 for a one-pound bag and $29.75 for a four-pound bag. Pecan pieces make great additions to cookies, brownies, cereal, yogurt, ice cream, salads, and so much more.

Pecans are heart healthy too. Add a handful to your favorite treat today!!!

If you need to buy a 30 pound case of pieces we have them available for $202.50 ($6.75 per pound).

Feast at the Falls

Tonight we will have a booth at the "Feast at the Falls" hosted by the American Red Cross of North Central Texas. The event will be held at the Howard Johnson Plaza banquet rooms from 5:30pm until 8:30pm. Tickets are $20.00 each. There will be lots of food vendors there showcasing all their great menu options.

The Pecan Shed will be taking our Homemade Fudge to the event. Come out and support a good cause and enjoy delicious food all at the same time!

Still Buying Pecans...But Not for Long...

We are still buying pecans from the public. We will buy pecans on the following days...

Today, March 7th
Wednesday, March 9th
Saturday, March 12th
Monday, March 14th

Monday, March 14th will be the LAST DAY we will buy pecans this year. After that date all the pecans we have bought from the public will be shipped out to a shelling company and we will no longer buy pecans this season.

We are open 9am until 5pm to buy your pecans on the above mentioned dates. Currently we are paying $0.90 per pound. However, that price can change at any point.

If you have questions please call 940-322-0756 for more information.

Fudge Flavor of the Month for March is...

...Key Lime Fudge! Green seems to be the theme for this month and this fudge is no exception. If you like Key Lime Pie you will LOVE Key Lime Fudge. It is one of Kathy's favorite fudge flavors...and, as our fudge specialist, she would know a good fudge flavor when she made one.

Stop in today to get a sample of the Key Lime Fudge or any other of our great homemade fudge flavors. See you soon!

Welcome Chasa

Today was the first day for Chasa Derrick at the Pecan Shed. She is a new part time employee and we are very happy to have her. Chasa is no stranger to the Pecan Shed. She is a good friend of Tiffany's and has stopped in for a quick visit on many occasions.

I hope you will come by the store and say "hi" to Chasa if you get the chance to meet her. I am sure we are overwhelming her with lots of information (that tends to happen during the first day of a new job) but some of Chasa's best qualities appear to be that she is very easy going and very friendly. I am sure she will do just fine and will soon become a valuable Pecan Shed staff member.

Upcoming Events...

The Pecan Shed will be participating in 3 upcoming shows during the next two months.

The first one is presented by the American Red Cross of North Texas. It is the 3rd Annual Feast at the Falls. This event is taking place on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel (401 Broad Street). It will be held from 5:30pm until 8:30pm. The Feast at the Falls is considered to be the "Ultimate Buffet" and will have many restaurants and other food vendors on site showcasing all their yummy food items. The Pecan Shed will be taking our Homemade Fudge to this event. Come out and support a worthy cause. We do have tickets available at the Pecan Shed. Each ticket is $20.00. For more information contact the American Red Cross of North Texas at 940-322-8686.

The next event the Pecan Shed will be participating in is taking place on Thursday, March 31st. This event is hosted by the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce and is the Women's Expo/March Business After Hours. It will take place at The Forum (2120 Speedway Ave) from 5pm until 7pm. This event is held to showcase Wichita Falls area businesses either owned or managed by women. Again, we will be taking our delicious Homemade Fudge to this event. Please contact the Chamber at 940-723-2741 for more details.

The final event is near and dear to my heart. On Saturday, April 16th the Pecan Shed will have a booth at the 7th Annual Red River Wine Festival. This event is hosted by the Senior Junior Forum (of which I am proudly a member) and it is used as the organization's main fundraiser in which the proceeds go to benefit the many local charities and organizations the Senior Junior Forum supports. The kickoff for the event actually takes place on Friday, April 15th with the Wine and Food Affair (visit www.redriverwinefestival.com for more information). However, the real party starts at 6pm on Saturday at the J.S. Bridwell Ag Center (111 North Burnett...behind the MPEC) with the actual Wine Festival. There will be over 20 Texas wine booths, lots of merchandise vendor booths, a silent auction, the Jay Hollis Band will be playing, and there will be several food booths...of which the Pecan Shed will have both our Homemade Fudge and our famous Fudge Dipped Strawberries available that night. Tickets for the Saturday Wine Festival are $25.00 and will be available soon. If you have not been yet, you need to come see how great this event truly is. Lots of fun, food, and wine will be available so make plans to attend!

Days Like Today...

...make me wish I worked outdoors. The sun is shining...there is a nice breeze...it is not too hot or too cold.

Days like today, I want to ditch my office and head out to the orchards in Charlie where I can breath the fresh air and enjoy the sun on my face.

Days like today, I am so jealous of Jake and Dad and all the others who get to make a living working outside in our 8,000+ tree orchards.

However, on the days when it is 20 degrees and the wind is gusting 20 mph, I don't envy those men. I also don't envy them when the temperature is well above 100 degrees and there is not a breath of air to be found.

I guess every job has its good and bad days.

Strawberry Nut Fudge is Going....Going...

...and will soon be gone! This Fudge Flavor of the Month for February will soon be no longer available as a fudge flavor. So, if it is one of your favorites you need to hurry in before it is to late!

We still have all our other great flavors of fudge including Chocolate Pecan, Turtle, Tiger, Butter Pecan, Maple Nut, and Sucrose Free Chocolate Pecan...just to name a few.

Super Sweet Saturdays...

Every Saturday from now until May 7th we will have Fudge Dipped Strawberries available. Normally we will have just the milk chocolate fudge ones made up so if you would like to have the white fudge, sucrose free fudge, or dark chocolate fudge you will need to call and place an order.

Fudge Dipped Strawberries are the perfect Saturday treat for friends, family, and especially for yourself! They also make great sweets at showers and parties.

If you need more than a dozen you should probably place an order in advance. However we only need about 30 minutes to do up a bunch of Fudge Dipped Strawberries.

Call us at 940-322-0756 to order yours today!

Shelled Wichita Pecan Halves Now Available

We now have shelled Wichita Pecan Halves available. The Wichita pecan is usually the last pecan we shell out and often it is after the first of the year before we are able to shell them.

One of the characteristics of the Wichita pecan is that it fills out very tightly in the shell. While this is a good thing for yielding a high percentage of meat, it also makes the Wichita pecan a very difficult variety to shell out and inspect.

We sell the shelled Wichita halves in a 1-pound bag for $8.50 or a 4-pound bag for $31.95. We can also wholesale Wichita halves in 30-pound cases for $210.00 each ($7.00 per pound).

We do not have a lot of shelled Wichita pecans available and we are sold out of Wichita pecans in the shell or cracked. If this is one of your favorite pecan varieties, you might want to hurry in soon to get some while they last.

Fudge Dipped Strawberries Are Still Available

WOW!!! Lots of people got Fudge Dipped Strawberries for Valentine's Day. The Pecan Shed was pretty busy on Saturday and especially busy on Monday. I hope everyone enjoyed the heart shaped holiday.

Fudge Dipped Strawberries are still available from now until May 7th. Every Saturday we will have some made up and ready. However, if you need more than a dozen, it is better to call and place an order in advance.

We will also be taking orders for Fudge Dipped Strawberries to be picked up during the week. Please call a day ahead if you would like to pick up Fudge Dipped Strawberries anytime Monday through Friday.

Fudge Dipped Strawberries are great to take to office meetings, parties, baby or wedding showers, or to give as a gift for someone special or for yourself.

The Pecan Shed is open Monday through Saturday 9am until 5pm.

Now on Facebook

The Pecan Shed is now on Facebook! "Like" us today!

We are now paying $0.90 per pound

As of today we are now paying $0.90 per pound for pecans. This price is subject to change at any point in time. Buying pecans is based on a "market price" and that price can fluctuate overnight or even during the same day.

We only buy new crop pecans that are well filled out, are not cracked, and they must be dry and not have any hulls or trash in them. We do have the right to turn down any pecans we deem unfit to buy. This decision is made by the employees who are assigned to the buying area and their decision to refuse pecans is supported by Pecan Shed management.

All the pecans we buy at the Pecan Shed are shipped to shelling companies or overseas. We do not retail any of the pecans we buy from the public. All of our retail pecans come from the Montz Orchards.

Any and all concerns you may have about selling your pecans must be voiced before you leave the "buying" area. The men who buy the pecans will be happy to assist you.

Order Your Fudge Dipped Strawberries Soon!

Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Make sure to order your Fudge Dipped Strawberries soon.

A dozen is only $16.95 and it is the perfect gift for anyone this Valentine's Day...it is even a great gift to give yourself!

We are open Monday through Saturday 9am until 5pm.

Call 940-322-0756 or come by our store at 1401 Midwestern Parkway to place your order.

We also have large fudge filled hearts available for $19.95 and small ones for $8.95. These are only available for a limited time so hurry in soon!

We Are Open!

The Pecan Shed was open today from 10am until 5pm. We were a skeleton crew but we were here. Thanks to both Brad and Kayla for coming to help me with the store.

We will be open tomorrow as well. We might open late depending on the road situation. Call before you head our way.

Remember to call in your order for Fudge Dipped Strawberries. Valentine's Day is Monday!

Fudge Dipped Strawberries Commercial

Fudge Dipped Strawberries Are Back!

We now have Fudge Dipped Strawberries available again at the Pecan Shed. They are perfect as a Valentine's Day gift or to serve at showers, weddings, parties or any type of meeting or get together. Of course they are so delicious they are even the perfect treat for yourself...no reason required!

We sell them individually for $1.50 each or by the dozen for $16.95. We appreciate all orders made in advance, but if you need them right away, we can have them ready for you in 30 minutes or less.

Fudge Dipped Strawberries are only available for a limited time. Hurry in and enjoy these little bites of heaven while they last!

We are open Monday through Saturday 9am until 5pm. Call to place an order today. 940-322-0756

Back in Business!

The Pecan Shed was closed Tuesday and Wednesday due to the winter weather that hit North Texas. Today we were able to open at noon. Yea!

We are doing lots of "house keeping" things but we are open for business. Call to place your order for Fudge Dipped Strawberries. These are perfect for Valentine's Day!

Cold Weather Coming!

If the meteorologist are correct, then tonight and tomorrow are going to be BAD! They are saying we will have freezing rain, ice, and possibly 8 inches of snow!

If this is the case, then there is a chance we will not be open. Many of our employees live out of town in rural areas and if they cannot make it to work then we will not be open. Please call before you come to either shop at the retail store, get pecans cracked, or sell your pecans.

Buying Pecans

After talking with Dad today, we will still be buying pecans at least until Feb. 5, 2011. After that we are not sure. Currently we are still paying $1.10 per pound.

Take advantage of the pretty weather we are having and make some money at the same time!

We are open Monday through Saturday 9am until 5pm.

Divinity Fudge is Back...and PINK!

Our homemade Divinity Fudge is back but with a twist!

Kathy colored the fudge pink for Valentine's Day. Too Cute!!!

Stop in for a sample today.

"O Canada"

Dad just returned from a trip to Canada as a representative of "U.S. Pecans". Dad is currently serving as the President of the Texas Pecan Growers Association. He along with other members of the TPGA and some Georgia pecan growers went to Canada to promote the use of pecans.

While the temperatures were extremely cold (Dad said breathing the outside air was like having knives poke your lungs) I do think the reception of the Canadian business men and women was very warm.

Dad spent two days discussing the health benefits of pecans, the many uses for pecans, the shipping capabilities, and storage options as well as many more topics. Hopefully soon we will have Texas pecans heading North to our Canadian neighbors.

Fudge Dipped Strawberries...Coming Soon!

February 1st will be the first day we have Fudge Dipped Strawberries available to the public. We dip large, juicy strawberries into our homemade chocolate or white fudge and the result is a taste of pure heaven!

The Fudge Dipped Strawberries will be sold for $1.50 each or $16.95 per dozen. Please call or stop by to order yours today.

Remember to call in your order for Valentine's Day (Feb. 14th).

Back from Market

This past weekend I attended the Dallas Gift Market with Becky and Jeri (Mom backed out...so Jeri stepped in). We spent all day Saturday and half a day Sunday looking at all the new and exciting products vendors had available. (Of course, we did a little personal shopping as well but we also did A LOT of walking...so we deserved it.)

Many new products will be arriving at our store in the next few weeks. Texas Products and J.T. Giftware had a lot of new items in their booths. We ordered several new Texas souvenirs from both of these vendors. We also purchased several unique style of crosses and some new UT, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and TCU items as well.

The item I am most excited about is the "FireWire Flexible Grilling Skewer"!


This item will be a great gift for any man on your list or for anyone who likes to grill. I will have more info as soon as it arrives.

Keep watching for more posts as other new products arrive at the Pecan Shed!

Good News!

Tiffany, who has been with the Pecan Shed for several years now, got news just recently that she can do her clinical hours for her college major at United Regional.

This is such good news for me because that means I get to keep Tiffany around the Pecan Shed for one more pecan season!

While working at the Pecan Shed is not the most difficult job in the world, it is hard to find and train new employees to do a job that is very seasonal and very fast paced for three months.

Tiffany is a wonderful employee and I am just thrilled she will be staying on with us!