Citrusy-sweet pecans make the perfect appetizer or snack. 2 cups pecans halves 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 teaspoon orange zest Toast pecans in a 350-degree oven for 8 minutes. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar and orange juice. Cook over medium-high heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads soft-ball stage, 236-degrees. Remove from the heat; stir in pecans and orange zest Beat mixture with a wooden spoon until it thickens and loses its gloss, about 2…