Preheat oven to 325˚F. Line a sheet pan with foil and spray the foil generously with nonstick cooking spray. (this will keep nuts from sticking to the pan). Layout a second piece of foil on a work surface and again spray with nonstick cooking spray. Rub each with a small piece of paper toweling to evenly coat with the oil.

Combine all ingredients except pecans in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Stir well.

Add pecans, then place bowl in the microwave and cook on high power for 1 minute. This will thin out the maple mixture to help coat the pecans better. Stir continuously for 1 minute (no cheating, you want the syrup mixture to get in every little nook and cranny of the pecans), until pecans are thoroughly coated.

Turn pecans out onto the prepared sheet pan, making sure to scrape out all of the maple syrup mixture as well. Spread out pecans to a single layer on the pan.

Place pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and stir well to redistribute nuts then spread out again to a single layer. Bake until deep golden brown, about 8-12 minutes more. Watch them carefully towards the end as nuts can quickly burn.

Stir again after removing from oven then spread out to a single layer on the prepared foil on your work surgace.