My grandfather nurtured five pecan trees. Some friends got bags of whole pecans, others might be lucky to get bags of shelled pecan halves. And a few special friends got packages of his pecan-studded fudge and divinity.
A slice of Goode Company's Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie.: Mayra Beltran : 29-95
I’ll be thinking of my grandfather on Monday, March 25, which is National Pecan Day.

Here are five ways to celebrate Texas’ favorite nut (and it’s state tree).

• First up is a no-brainer. Goode Company’s signature Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie is available at all its restaurants, as well as online. Hands down, the best pecan pie I’ve found in town.
  Purchase online or find the nearest restaurant at goodecompany.com.
• There are plenty of good versions of nut-crusted, pan-fried fish. I’m a fan of the pecan-crusted Gulf Red Snapper served at Waterman Restaurant in Galveston. Topped with lump crabmeat and a lemon butter sauce, it’s a decadent dish best enjoyed as you watch a beautiful sunset from the restaurant’s lovely deck.
  14302 Stewart, Galveston, 409-632-0233
• Speaking of decadent, you must try the butter pecan ice cream at Hank's Ice Cream Parlor. Hank is gone but his flavorful homemade desserts live on. And note, Hank’s shop is closed on Mondays, but Blake's BBQ is among a handful of cafes serving Hank’s ice cream.
  Hank’s Ice Cream Parlor: 9291 S. Main, 713-665-5103
  Blake’s BBQ: 2916 Jeanetta, 713-266-6860
• Pecan-crusted chicken tops a lively salad with dried cranberries, apples, mandarin orange, spiced pecans, blue cheese and honey-lime vinaigrette at Boudreaux's Cajun Kitchen.
  Find the nearest location at boudreauxs.net.
• And lastly, because it’s always served last, is the pecan praline that comes with the check at Molina's . Talk about your sweet endings.
  Find the nearest location at molinasrestaurants.com.