Cattleman's Spread

2 cups chopped pecans
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
18 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 (2 1/2 ounce) packages dried beef, chopped
4 teaspoons diced onion
Crackers and bread sticks

In a skillet, saut