1/2 c  Butter, unsalted

      2 lg Eggs, whites only

      1 pn Salt

      1 c  Sugar, granulated

      1 qt Pecan halves

      2 t  Vanilla extract

    1/2 t  Cinnamon, ground

  Set aside stick of butter to melt in a long pan.  (Don't use a pan that has
  depressions around the side, such as for lasagna.) Preheat oven to 300
  degrees.
  Separate eggs; sprinkle a pinch of salt onto the egg whites.  (You can
  reserve the yolks to make custards.)  Beat the whites to form soft peaks.
  Gradually add the sugar, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Fold in pecan
  halves.
  Turn out pecans and spread OVER the melted butter (don't stir them in).
  Cook for 15 minutes.  Take out the pan and stir the nuts. Cook another 10
  minutes, take out and stir.  Repeat until the nuts are separated and all
  the butter is absorbed (a little over one hour).
  BE PATIENT!!!  For a long time it will look totally disgusting and you will
  be sure I gave you a bogus recipe, but it works! Theoretically you can use
  other nuts, but I've tried both almonds and walnuts and was disappointed...