Sugared Walnuts

Jo Ann L's Note:

I got this recipe from a student's process speech more than 30 years ago, and I've never found one I like better. A great Christmas gift, especially if you have a low-cost source for the nuts.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 3 cups

• 3 cups walnut halves or 3 cups walnut pieces
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions:

1. Spread the walnuts out on a large cookie sheet; bake at 275° for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Remove from oven and set aside.
3. Combine the sugar, water, cinnamon and salt in a 3 quart saucepan and cook to 236°, soft-ball stage, WITHOUT STIRRING. Note: Use a candy thermometer for exact temperature if at all possible. You get much better results.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and the nuts.
5. Stir gently until the nuts are well coated and mixture has begun to cool down.
6. Turn out onto a greased cookie sheet, separating any pieces that have clumped together.
7. Cool completely.

Reviews

[EyeGuy]

Downloaded this a couple years ago but just got around to making it. Very easy and straitforward with good results. I used Pecan halves. One bit of advise; work quickly to separate the nuts for a more polished appearance. Once the coating starts to cool, the separated pieces will glaze but pieces separated after the coating has cooled too much will have a rough appearance. They all taste wonderful though!!

[Sandra Muzquiz]

I could not find my candy thermometer, so I guessed at the length of time to cook the water, sugar, salt, and cinnamon (I cooked it for about 12 minutes while the walnuts were baking.) This is a foolproof recipe - it still turned out great and was delicious as well. I made these to add a little crunch to salads.

[Kas in NY]

My daughter and I made this for a Holiday Treat! My whole family LOVED IT! It's very rich-like a candy coating. I used a little more cinnamon & vanilla (2-2 1/2 tsp.) than the recipe called for. I also used about 4 cups of nuts and it still coated nicely! My family loves any kind of nuts and they certainly loved this! We'll make this one again! Enjoy!