Prepare a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat (preferred) or parchment paper.
Step 3
In a large sauté pan (with taller, straight sides), combine sugars, water, cinnamon, salt.
Step 4
Heat over medium heat until it boils.
Step 5
Add pecans and vanilla.
Step 6
Stir vigorously and continuously. Don't stop stirring!
Step 7
Keep stirring (good arm workout) until you see the liquid all evaporates and the pecans are left with a dry-looking coating (see blog pictures for an example).
Step 8
Reduce heat slightly.
Step 9
Continue stirring (constantly) until you see the sugar coating start to melt. This may take a few minutes.
Step 10
Add the final glaze ingredients (sugar and syrup) once the sugar coating has started to melt on the nuts.
Step 11
Stir in well until glossy and coated.
Step 12
Turn out pecans onto prepared pan in a single layer.
Step 13
Bake for 10 minutes to roast the nuts. This step is critical to preventing softened pecans.