Candied walnuts (or pecans) - chinese grandma

Ingredients

• Nonstick vegetable oil spray
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon salt (see notes)
• 1 1/2 cups walnut or pecan pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (generous) freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper