Orange Spiced Pecans {Crock-Pot} {Sugar Free} {Gluten Free}

2 Weeks! I can't believe it's been that long since my last post.  The holidays were rough, and then we got the dreaded and absolutely miserable stomach bug.  Last week we got the bug.  It all started with my 1 year old, and I am still not sure how such a horrible stomach bug could reside in that little human being.  My 3 year old son was the lone holdout; I don't know how he didn't get it, but I am glad, and totally jealous, that he stayed healthy.  As for the rest of us, last week was a complete blurr that we wish to never ever repeat.  Have you got the bug this year?  It's a doozer. 

Again, sorry for the slackerness, but today I have a deliciously easy treat and a healthy snack for you.  These Orange Spiced Pecans are easily made in the crock-pot, or slow cooker if that's what you call it, full of protein and healthy fats, and there are no processed sugars added.  Score!  PS: Can I call it sugar free if you add a naturally derived sugar like maple syrup.

These nuts are great to snack on at a party or for a mid-afternoon snack, and they make fabulous gluten free treats to give to friends or neighbors for the holidays or any occasion or for no occasion. 

Orange Spice Pecans {Crock-Pot}
Recipe: Alohamora adapted from Food Network
Active Time: 15 minutes
Inactive Time: 2 hours
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients: 
4 c. pecans
3 Tbsp butter, melted
1/4 c. maple syrup
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp zested orange
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp chipotle chili powder or cayenne pepper

Directions: 

1. Line your crock-pot/slow cooker with a liner or heavy duty aluminum foil.  The liner is far easier and worth the purchase in my opinion. 
2. Spray your liner/aluminum foil with a cooking spray.  I've used olive oil, canola, or grape seed oil. 
3. Pour your pecans in a large bowl.  
4. In a small bowl whisk the remaining ingredients together and pour it over the pecans in the large bowl.
5. Stir everything together and pour it into your lined crock-pot in an even layer. 
6. Cook the nuts on high for 1 hour and then turn it down to low.  Cook the nuts for 1 more hour but stir it every 20 minutes. 
7. When the nuts are smelling delicious pull the entire liner out of the crock-pot and lay it on a cookie sheet to cool completely. You can snack on them while they are cooling. 
8. Enjoy!
9. Store nuts in an airtight container. You can put them in a jar to gift or a cute bag with a ribbon. 
10. Now you may be tempted to double this recipe, but this recipe does not double well.  If you really need to double it cook it for no more than an hour more on low still stirring every 20 minutes. 

Happy Orange Sweet and Spicy Pecans eating!