You know, there’s something wildly addictive about the sweet and crunchy allure of candied walnuts. They remind me of autumn walks—crunching leaves underfoot and that crisp air biting at your cheeks. Oh, and the best part?
You can whip them up in just five minutes, transforming your kitchen into a cozy, nutty haven. These little gems are perfect for snacking, tossing into salads, or even as a last-minute gift.
Steps
- In a medium non-stick skillet, combine 1 cup of walnuts, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning. Once the sugar begins to melt, continue stirring until the sugar is fully melted and the walnuts are evenly coated.
- Quickly transfer the coated walnuts onto a sheet of parchment paper and separate them immediately. Use two spatulas to make the separation process faster to prevent the walnuts from clumping together.
- Allow the nuts to cool for 5-7 minutes until the coating hardens, then transfer them to a bowl for serving or storage. Enjoy them as a snack or use them as a topping for salads or other dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnut halves or pieces (or substitute with pecans)
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
FAQ
- Can I use other types of nuts for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans for a similar candied treat. The method and ingredients remain the same.
- How do I prevent the nuts from clumping together?
- As soon as the nuts are coated with the melted sugar mixture, quickly transfer them to a sheet of parchment paper and separate them using two spatulas. This helps in avoiding the nuts from sticking together.
- Is it necessary to pre-toast the nuts before candying them?
- No, this method allows you to roast and candy the nuts simultaneously in the pan, eliminating the need for pre-toasting.
- Can this recipe be doubled?
- Absolutely! You can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch of candied walnuts.
- How long do the candied walnuts take to cool?
- The nuts typically take about 5 to 7 minutes to harden and cool once they have been spread out on parchment paper.
Tips
- Use a non-stick skillet to ensure the sugar doesn’t stick to the pan and makes cleaning up easier.
- Stir constantly once the sugar begins to melt to prevent burning and achieve an even coating on the walnuts.
- Quickly transfer the candied walnuts onto parchment paper and separate them immediately to avoid them clumping together.
- Consider doubling the recipe if you need a larger batch, as the process is simple and quick enough to handle extra quantities.
Equipment
- Medium Non-Stick Skillet
- Heat-Proof Non-Plastic Spatula
- Parchment Paper
