Panocha Walnuts

After I used these in Christmas goodie boxes, the requests for MORE poured in -- the fudge-like coating just melts in your mouth!

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Yields: 3 cups

Ingredients

• 1  cup brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 2 1⁄2 cups walnuts

Directions

1. Combine sugar, water and salt in 3 quart sauce pan.
2. Slowly bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves.
3. Boil slowly to 246 degrees Farenheit (firm ball stage) Remove from heat.
4. Add vanilla and walnut halves, stir until nuts are coated, then keep stirring, until the syrup crystallizes and turns "sugary". At this point they should not be sticky at all, but rather dry-looking.
5. Dump out on waxed paper or foil and QUICKLY separate nuts using two forks.
6. I usually have someone else work with me on this step.
7. Let cool thoroughly before storing in a tightly covered container.