If you have been to Milestones or other similar restaurants and had the salad with greens, goat cheese and delicious candied pecans then you will love this recipe!  I make a healthy version of the candied pecans that is low cal (except for the natural healthy fats in the pecans) and very tasty!  The only problem is, they are so good that you may have trouble with portion control!!! You can't stop eating them!

I bake them in the toaster oven, but you can make larger batches in a conventional oven as well.  You may want to make large portions as they can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week...if they last that long!!!

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Cover a baking sheet with Alcan Slide Foil paper (it is coated so the nuts don't stick) or parchment paper.  Place the pecans on the baking sheet and drizzle with Walden Farms maple syrup (the carry it at Metro).  This syrup is zero calories and zero sugar (yes zero!!!).  Sprinkle with cayanne pepper as desired...if you like a nice spicy kick then add more, if you don't like them spicy, then add less.  Add some salt to taste and then toss.  I use my hands to make sure all the pecans are coated evenly.  Try to ensure that the pecans are placed on the tray in one layer and not clumped so they bake evenly.  Place the tray in the oven for 8 to 12 minutes.  Check on the pecans after 6 to 8 minutes to make sure they are not burning.  My toaster oven takes about 10 to 11 minutes but your oven may cook faster or slower...just keep an eye on them and take them out when they are browned and dry. (see second pic above for how they look when they are done)
Let them cool and then remove from the tray and store in an airtight container until you are ready to eat them.
They are great as a snack or in a salad.
Enjoy!!