Roast nuts using one of these methods: preheat an oven to 350 degrees, spread nuts on a baking sheet and toast them for 10 minutes OR heat nuts in a dry hot skillet (cast iron skillets work well), stirring frequently as they toast for 4 minutes.

In a large microwave-safe bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, salt and water. Microwave the sugar mixture on high, uncovered, for one minute. The mixture will turn into a syrup.

Add pecans to the warm syrup, tossing to coat all sides of the pecans. Microwave the coated pecans on high, uncovered, for three more minutes, stopping every minute to stir the pecans.

Immediately spread the warm, glazed pecans onto a greased baking sheet or a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Separate the nuts so that they won't clump together as they cool.

Store in an airtight container or freeze for later use.