Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Add brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and water to a large pan or dutch oven..
On medium-high heat stir the mixture until the brown sugar melts and starts to bubble.
Carefully pour in pecans and almonds. Stir well to coat all the nuts with the sugar syrup.
Continue to stir for 2-3 minutes to cook and fully coat the nuts, being careful not to cook too long or burn them.
Pour coated nuts out onto the prepared baking sheet. Allow nuts to cool completely, approximately 30 minutes. They should be crunchy once fully cooled.
Once cooled, break apart the stuck-together nuts. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Other nuts! - Try a variation of other nuts including whole raw walnuts or whole raw cashews. Add to trail mix! - Mix candied nuts with fresh-popped popcorn, pretzels, and chocolate pieces. Mmm! Spice it up! - Add ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mixture. Use as a topping! - Add these delicious candied pecans and almonds to a salad or to your favorite breakfast waffle or french toast! Add as a topping to ice cream or a baked casserole.