I use a 375-degree F oven (they aren't picky, the oven can be anywhere between 350-425) and toast pecans for about 7-minutes (5 minutes for a hot oven and 10 minutes for a cooler oven). Just lay in a single layer in a cast iron fry pan or on a baking sheet or pizza pan. When I use a cookie sheet or a pizza pan I like to line it with a sheet of parchment paper, and then use it to "funnel" the nuts off the baking sheet.

The wonderful odor and the nice golden brown color are your cues they are done. Stir them a couple times. Set a timer if you tend to wander off like I do...:-) I have to wear a Polder timer on a lanyard around my neck (a multi-tasker who tends to do too many things at once). The link below will give you a good variety of ways to toast pecans and other goodies.

If you've never toasted your oatmeal before, it's wonderful to use in baked goods or making your morning cereal -- that's another experience you should indulge yourself in. Very YUMMY!

Try Martha Stewarts oatmeal recipe:
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/toasted-oatmeal

-Grainlady

Here is a link that might be useful: 4 Ways To Toast...

Thank you so much, Grainlady. I knew I could find the help I needed here.

Now, you've opened up a whole other question I was going to ask when things slowed down after Christmas.

I wanted to start using a pressure canner, but I'm a famous "wander off-er" who gets distracted easily.

Please tell me more about your 'around the neck' timer and where I can purchase one.

I wouldn't dare try to pressure cook/can anything without a timer I could wear.

Thanks again,
Betty

Betty -

I purchased my Polder Timer from King Arthur Flour, but they are readily available at Restaurant Supply Stores and Kitchen Shops. You might try Amazon.com for a better price than the link below.

I have a breast pocket on my apron where I tuck my Timer and my Instant Read Thermometer. That keeps the Timer from swinging into bowls of batter or mounds of bread dough.

-Grainlady

Here is a link that might be useful: Cookware.com - Polder Clock/Timer/Stopwatch

I toast pecans at 325 deg because it is easier to avoid burning them, and they take about 10 minutes. I still do stir them a couple of times. I only toast pecans when I'm making chocolate turtles, which I might do around New Year's. Otherwise, I eat them raw.

Lars

Thanks, Grainlady. I will be checking prices at the local kitchen stores before ordering, but I WILL be buying one.

It will be perfect for my needs. I can even time my son, who is in track, when he is running at home.

LOL 'swinging into bowls of batter or mounds of bread dough' Sounds like something that would happen at our house!

Thanks, Lars. I will be making at least one of the recipes today.

Merry Christmas!
Betty