makes 3 cups
3 cups pecan halves
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup filtered water
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon bourbon
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
2. Place the pecans in an oven-safe container and place in the oven to warm.
3. In a large sauce pot, combine together the sugar, water, salt, and cinnamon. On low heat, stir until the sugar has dissolved.
4. Increase the temperature to medium-high and cook (do not stir) until the temperature reaches 236 degrees (use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature). Depending on your range, this should take between 5 and 20 minutes.
5. Take the sugar mixture off the heat and stir in the vanilla and bourbon. Add in the warmed pecans and stir until evenly coated.
6. Pour the coated pecans onto a parchment- (or silpat-) lined baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
7. Spread the pecans onto a large sheet of parchment paper to cool.
8. Package the candied pecans in an airtight container.