Cinnamon Walnuts

My mother in law, Phyllis Emery, gave me this old recipe. It's fabulous, but does take a bit of doing. You can't let this recipe alone for a minute, or it will burn, scorch, or not crystallize properly. This is also one of those recipes where the quality of the ingredients is everything -- buy the very best you can afford and don't use artificial vanilla -- only use the real thing!

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 3 cups

Ingredients

• 1  cup sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 4  tablespoons boiling water
• 2  cups walnuts
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Mix sugar, cinnamon, cream of tartar in boiling water.
2. Heat to 246F or until a little drop forms a hard ball in cold water.
3. Add vanilla and stir well.
4. Pour over nuts.
5. Stir well until mixture forms a sugary shell on nuts.