Quick and Easy Candied Pecans

Quick and Easy Candied Pecans

from inspiredtaste.net
1 2 cups

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, see notes
  • Pinch cayenne pepper, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons water
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest, optional
  • 2 cups (6 ounces) pecan halves

Directions

  1. 1

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

  2. 2

    Add brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, cayenne, vanilla, water, and the orange zest (optional) to a medium skillet. Place the skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring often until the brown sugar melts into a bubbling sauce, about 1 minute.

  3. 3

    Stir in the pecans so that the brown sugar sauce coats them. Cook, stirring the entire time, until the pecans look candied and smell nutty, 2 to 3 minutes. As the nuts heat up in the pan, the sauce will slowly coat them and become shiny. Watch closely as the nuts cook so that they do not burn.

  4. 4

    Transfer the candied pecans to the prepared baking sheet and spread into one layer. Allow the pecans to cool down, and then break them up before serving.

  5. 5

    Store cooled candied nuts in an airtight container. They will last at room temperature for one week, in the refrigerator for a few weeks and in the freezer for a month, if not longer.