Sassy & Sweet Pecans

 

Preheat oven to 350°

 

6 tablespoons brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Pinch cayenne pepper or dash of hot sauce

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 tablespoons butter

2 teaspoons orange zest, optional

2 cups (6 ounces) pecan halves

 

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

 

Toss everything in a medium skillet. Over medium heat, cook, stirring often until the brown sugar melts into a bubbling sauce – about one minute.

 

Add in the pecans and thoroughly coat them in the brown sugar mixture for one to two minutes.

 

Transfer to the backing sheet and spread into a single layer.  Bake 5 – 7 minutes until browned.

 

Cool completely before eating or storing in an airtight container for up to one week.