Quick and Easy Candied Walnuts

Years ago, my then-husband and I went to a fancy restaurant.  One of the things I ordered was a salad – I cannot remember everything on the salad, but I do remember the candied walnuts that I loved so much.

I wanted to make them at home so looked in a recipe book (this must have been before the days of the Internet, or before I was using the Internet).  I do not remember the method, but I do remember that I didn’t like the results and so gave up on it.

I recently wanted to make candied walnuts so researched a bit on Youtube, then with the information I learned, made some.  They turned out delicious and just like I wanted.  The best part of this is that it is simple!

All I did was cover the bottom or a frying pan with walnuts, turn the heat up to medium, put sugar on them to taste (probably about 1/3 cup), sprinkled on cinnamon to taste and a little salt to balance the sweetness.  I stirred constantly so the walnuts or sugar would not burn.  After a few minutes of stirring the sugar begins to melt and some of the fat from the walnuts begins to render.  I cook for a minute or two longer and voila!  They are done.  I let them cool, then put into a zip-loc bag to keep fresh.  They are wonderful on salads and I also take them to work as a snack (when I am working).

The last two times I made these I did a variation that I like even better.  Instead of plain salt, I used a garlic pepper salt mix, then added extra black pepper.  I got the idea from gourmet packages of nuts I saw at Target.  They are dee-licious.  My daughter tried some and she grabbed an extra handful and now wants to make them for herself.

Do you make candied nuts with different variations than this?  Would love to hear your thoughts and ideas!

~ Monica

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