Candied pecans

Candied Pecans

2 cups pecans halves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

1. Toast: Spread pecans on a rimmed baking sheet. Slide into a 350-degree oven until nuts darken slightly and give off a toasty scent, 8 minutes. Cautiously taste one. It should be crisp (if not, return to oven 1 more minute). Tumble nuts into a bowl. Season with salt and red pepper. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and keep it handy.

2. Caramelize: Stir sugar and water together in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Let bubble without stirring until syrup starts to starts to color, 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; stir to a light, even brown 1 minute.

3. Coat: Pour in seasoned nuts. Stir until completely coated with caramel, 1 minute. Scrape onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread as best you can. Cool completely, 20 minutes

4. Crack: Break apart candied nuts. These are addictively good solo and even better folded into cornbread/sausage stuffing just before serving.