Step 1

Prepare a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet (or your counter if it's heat resistant)

Step 2

Combine, the pecans, sugar, water and salt (if using)In a medium-large skillet (it's best to use a deep skillet, to prevent the sugar from splashing, but a regular skillet will work as well). Have a wooden spoon handy as well

Step 3

Cook over high heat until it boils, about 1-2 minutes, and reduce heat to medium-high

Step 4

Continue cooking and stirring with a wooden spoon until the liquid becomes thicker and darker in color, about 4-5 minutes, and reduce the heat to medium

Step 5

Continue cooking until all the water evaporates and stir constantly until the sugar crystallizes and becomes sandy, about 3-5 minutes. Lower temperature to low (check out the video or the images in the blog post)

Step 6

Once all the pecans are coated with the sugar crystals, keep stirring until the sugar starts melting again and starts coating the pecans with a shiny sugar coating. Not all the pecan will have an even coating (SEE NOTE 3)

Step 7

Remove from heat and place the pecans on the prepared parchment paper.

Step 8

Let the candied pecans cool completely. DO NOT TOUCH THE HOT PECANS, THEY WILL BURN YOUR SKIN.  BE CAREFUL!

Step 9

Once the candied pecans have cooled completely, separate any that have clumped together.

Step 10

Store in a glass jar with a tight lid.