# Sweet and Crunchy Candied Walnuts: A Tasty Delight
Candied walnuts are a scrumptious and adaptable munchie that can enhance any meal or make for a charming present. With their sweet and crunchy allure, they are ideal for snacking, garnishing salads, or incorporating into charcuterie boards. This straightforward recipe requires just a few ingredients, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a bit of oven time to whip up a treat that everyone will adore.
## Why You’ll Adore Candied Walnuts
– **Luscious and Sweet Taste**: The blend of brown sugar and cinnamon provides these walnuts with a cozy, caramel-like taste that’s utterly captivating.
– **Crunchy Consistency**: The baking method caramelizes the sugar, resulting in a crunchy, slightly crispy layer that pairs perfectly with the nuttiness of the walnuts.
– **Flexible Application**: Candied walnuts can be utilized in numerous ways, such as a topping for sweets, incorporated into salads, or served with cheese on a snack platter.
## What You’ll Need to Create Candied Walnuts
### Ingredients:
– **Walnuts**: Opt for raw, unsalted walnuts. Halves are suitable, but pieces will work as well.
– **Sugar**: Brown sugar is favored for its rich taste, but white sugar or sugar-free substitutes are also acceptable. For an added sweet hint, mix in some maple syrup.
– **Egg White**: Whipped with water, egg white assists the sugar and spices in sticking to the walnuts, forming a crunchy coating.
– **Cinnamon**: A hint of cinnamon contributes warmth and richness to the flavor.
### Variations:
– **Different Nuts**: Feel free to explore with pecans, almonds, or cashews. Mixing various nuts can create a delightful blend.
– **Spices**: Replace cinnamon with apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist. Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a dash of cayenne pepper can also elevate the flavor.
## How to Craft Candied Walnuts
### Step-by-Step Directions:
1. **Prepare the Walnuts**: Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the walnuts and boil for around 5 minutes to eliminate any bitterness from the skins. Rinse with cold water, drain thoroughly, and lay them on a paper towel to dry.
2. **Preheat the Oven**: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. **Combine Sugar and Spices**: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and a dash of salt. Set it aside.
4. **Coat the Walnuts**: In a large bowl, whip the egg white with a tablespoon of water until frothy. Add the walnuts and stir to evenly coat them.
5. **Incorporate Sugar Mixture**: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the walnuts and mix thoroughly to ensure even coating. Spread the walnuts out in a single layer on the lined baking sheet.
6. **Bake**: Bake for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the walnuts are toasted and the sugar is caramelized. Watch them closely to avoid burning.
## How to Preserve Candied Walnuts
To keep your candied walnuts fresh, store them in an airtight container, mason jar, or zippered bag at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. They can also be refrigerated for up to a month or frozen for two months.
## Incorporate Candied Walnuts into…
– **Salads**: Add them to salads for a delightful crunch and sweetness.
– **Desserts**: Use them as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or cakes.
– **Cheese Boards**: Pair with goat cheese or other cheeses for a delightful starter.
## Final Thoughts
This candied walnut recipe is not only easy but also exceptionally rewarding. With their rich flavor and crunchy consistency, they are guaranteed to be a favorite whether you’re enjoying them as a treat, using them as a garnish, or gifting them to loved ones. Try this recipe, and savor the sweet and nutty joy of homemade candied walnuts!