Spiced Candied Walnuts Recipe π₯π¬
Overview:
This delightful recipe for Spiced Candied Walnuts is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a perfect homemade gift idea that adds a personal touch to any occasion, be it Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special celebration. Inspired by a recipe from the culinary maestro Michael Chiarello of Food Network, these crunchy, sweet, and spicy walnuts are bound to become a favorite among your friends and family, even if you’re not particularly fond of walnuts yourself!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 883.7
- Fat: 76.4g
- Saturated Fat: 7.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 584.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 46.4g
- Fiber: 8.1g
- Sugar: 32.5g
- Protein: 17.9g
Ingredients:
- 4 cups walnut halves
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 dashes fresh ground black pepper
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a deep saucepan, pour oil to a depth of at least 3 inches and heat to 350Β°F. |
| 2 | While the oil is heating, bring a large pot of water to a boil. |
| 3 | Measure the salt, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and black pepper into a small bowl and mix well. |
| 4 | Holding the walnut halves in a sieve, dip them briefly into the boiling water for about 1 minute. This blanching step removes some of the tannins, enhancing the sweetness of the walnuts. |
| 5 | Transfer the blanched walnuts to a large bowl with a little water clinging to them. |
| 6 | While the walnuts are still hot and wet, add the confectioners’ sugar and toss well to evenly coat. The sugar will melt on contact with the hot walnuts. Keep stirring and tossing until all the sugar has melted. If bits of unmelted sugar remain on the walnuts, they will not fry properly. |
| 7 | Stir the walnuts again before frying. |
| 8 | Using a large slotted spoon, transfer a few walnuts to the hot oil, allowing the foam to subside before adding another spoonful. Otherwise, the oil could foam over and burn you. Fry in small batches until the walnuts are medium brown, about 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook. |
| 9 | Scatter the fried walnuts on an unlined baking sheet to cool slightly. |
| 10 | While the walnuts are still warm, transfer them to a bowl and sprinkle evenly with about half of the spice mix. Toss well to distribute the spices and then taste a walnut. Add more spice mix, to taste, and toss well after each addition. |
| 11 | When cool, pack the spiced candied walnuts in an airtight jar. They will keep at room temperature for at least 2 weeks. |
Serving Suggestions:
These Spiced Candied Walnuts make a delightful snack on their own, but they also add a flavorful crunch when sprinkled over salads, yogurt, or desserts. Serve them alongside cheese platters for an elegant appetizer or package them in decorative jars for a thoughtful homemade gift that will be cherished by all who receive it.
Conclusion:
With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create these addictive Spiced Candied Walnuts that are sure to impress. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy as a delicious snack, this recipe is a winner every time!
