toast raw pecans on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 mins turning nuts once half way, use your nose! once they start smelling fragrant and nutty they are done and remove from oven

to make candy coating for nuts: melt 1 tbsp butter, then mix in 3 tbsp dark brown sugar, 3/4 tsp of cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1.5 tbsp honey and 1.5 tsp salt

toss toasted nuts in candy mixture and mix well making sure they are coated well. line cookie sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray liberally. dump coated nuts on sheet and spread out. place back in the 350 oven for another 8-10 mins, stirring nuts once half way

remove nuts when done and let cool on sheet...once cool move nuts to a bowl or storage container (they are so good!)

add leafy greens to a bowl

dice up ripe avacado and granny smith apple and add to bowl

crumble goat cheese in bowl

add in cooled candied pecans

toss all together and add poppy seed dressing and toss if serving immediately or leave dressing on the side for people to add their own as they like.

the amounts listed make a salad big enough for 6-8 adults. it is addicting!