Dawn’s Candied Walnuts: A Simple Recipe for Sweet, Crunchy Perfection
Candied walnuts are a delightful treat, perfect for snacking, adding to salads, or gifting to friends and family. They offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of sweetness that makes them incredibly addictive. While you can find them in stores, making them at home is surprisingly easy and allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. This recipe, inspired by a family favorite and affectionately called “Dawn’s Candied Walnuts,” is a simple, foolproof method for creating perfectly candied walnuts every time. It’s a recipe passed down through generations, adapted and perfected over the years to achieve the ideal balance of sweetness, crunch, and nutty flavor. Get ready to transform ordinary walnuts into extraordinary delights!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and reliability. It uses readily available ingredients and requires minimal effort. The key to its success lies in maintaining the right temperature and consistently stirring the walnuts throughout the cooking process. This ensures that the sugar coating is evenly distributed and the walnuts are perfectly caramelized. The addition of a touch of salt enhances the sweetness and creates a more balanced flavor profile. And the best part? Clean-up is a breeze!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
* **Walnuts:** 4 cups (about 1 pound) of raw walnut halves or pieces. Walnut halves are more visually appealing for gifting, while pieces are more economical for snacking. Make sure your walnuts are fresh for optimal flavor and texture. Stale walnuts can taste bitter.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 cup. Granulated sugar provides the primary sweetness and creates the characteristic candied coating.
* **Water:** 1/2 cup. Water helps dissolve the sugar and creates a syrup that coats the walnuts. It also contributes to the caramelization process.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the candied walnuts. Don’t skip this! It makes a big difference.
* **Vanilla Extract (Optional):** 1 teaspoon. A touch of vanilla extract adds a subtle layer of flavor and aroma. Feel free to experiment with other extracts, such as almond or maple.
* **Cinnamon (Optional):** 1/2 teaspoon. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the candied walnuts. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
Equipment Needed
* **Large Skillet:** A large, heavy-bottomed skillet is essential for even heat distribution. Stainless steel or cast iron skillets work best.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring the walnuts and preventing them from sticking to the skillet.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat:** To spread the candied walnuts on to cool and prevent them from sticking.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfectly candied walnuts:
**Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace**
Before you begin cooking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will provide a non-stick surface for the candied walnuts to cool on.
**Step 2: Combine Sugar and Water**
In the large skillet, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
**Step 3: Bring to a Boil**
Place the skillet over medium heat and bring the sugar mixture to a boil. Do not stir the mixture after it starts boiling. Let it boil undisturbed until the syrup turns a light golden color. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Watch it carefully, as it can burn quickly.
**Step 4: Add Walnuts and Salt**
Once the syrup has turned light golden, add the walnuts and salt to the skillet. Stir continuously to coat the walnuts evenly with the syrup.
**Step 5: Cook and Stir**
Continue cooking and stirring the walnuts constantly. As the syrup continues to cook, it will thicken and crystallize around the walnuts. This is exactly what you want! Keep stirring until the walnuts are completely coated and the sugar has a dry, sandy appearance. This process usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
**Step 6: Add Optional Flavorings (If Using)**
If you’re using vanilla extract or cinnamon, add them to the skillet during the last minute of cooking. Stir well to incorporate the flavorings evenly.
**Step 7: Spread and Cool**
Immediately pour the candied walnuts onto the prepared baking sheet and spread them into a single layer. Use a fork to separate any clumps and ensure that the walnuts are evenly spaced. This will help them cool and harden properly.
**Step 8: Let Cool Completely**
Allow the candied walnuts to cool completely on the baking sheet. This usually takes about 30-60 minutes. As they cool, they will harden and become crunchy.
**Step 9: Break Apart and Enjoy!**
Once the candied walnuts are completely cool and hardened, break them apart into individual pieces or small clusters. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Enjoy them as a snack, add them to salads, or use them as a topping for desserts.
Tips for Perfect Candied Walnuts
* **Use Fresh Walnuts:** Fresh walnuts have the best flavor and texture. Avoid using walnuts that are stale or have a bitter taste.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Use a large enough skillet to ensure that the walnuts are evenly distributed. Overcrowding the skillet can lead to uneven cooking.
* **Stir Constantly:** Constant stirring is crucial for preventing the walnuts from sticking to the skillet and ensuring that they are evenly coated with the syrup.
* **Watch the Syrup Carefully:** The syrup can burn quickly, so watch it carefully and adjust the heat as needed.
* **Spread the Walnuts in a Single Layer:** Spreading the candied walnuts in a single layer on the baking sheet allows them to cool and harden properly. Clumping them together will prolong the cooling time and may result in sticky walnuts.
* **Cool Completely Before Storing:** Make sure the candied walnuts are completely cool and hardened before storing them in an airtight container. Storing them while they are still warm can cause them to become sticky.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different extracts, spices, and other flavorings to create your own unique candied walnut variations.
Variations and Add-Ins
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding different flavorings and ingredients. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Spicy Candied Walnuts:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the syrup for a spicy kick.
* **Maple Candied Walnuts:** Substitute maple syrup for the water in the recipe for a rich, maple-flavored treat.
* **Cinnamon Sugar Candied Walnuts:** Combine cinnamon and sugar in a bowl and toss the cooled candied walnuts in the mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Chocolate Covered Candied Walnuts:** Dip the cooled candied walnuts in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
* **Rosemary Candied Walnuts:** Add a sprig of fresh rosemary to the skillet while the walnuts are cooking for a savory-sweet flavor combination.
* **Orange Zest Candied Walnuts:** Add orange zest to the syrup for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Ginger Candied Walnuts:** Add ground ginger to the syrup for a warm, spicy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Candied walnuts are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a simple and satisfying snack straight from the jar.
* **Salad Topping:** Add them to salads for a crunchy and sweet contrast to the greens and other ingredients. They pair especially well with salads containing fruits, cheeses, and vinaigrette dressings.
* **Dessert Topping:** Sprinkle them over ice cream, yogurt, pudding, or other desserts for added texture and flavor.
* **Cheese Board Accompaniment:** Serve them alongside cheeses, crackers, and fruits for a sophisticated and flavorful appetizer.
* **Gift:** Package them in decorative jars or bags and give them as gifts to friends and family. They make a thoughtful and delicious homemade present.
* **Baking Ingredient:** Chop them up and add them to cookies, muffins, cakes, or other baked goods for a crunchy and sweet addition.
* **Yogurt Parfaits:** Layer them in yogurt parfaits with granola and fruit for a delicious and healthy breakfast or snack.
Storing Candied Walnuts
To ensure that your candied walnuts stay fresh and crunchy, store them properly:
* **Airtight Container:** Store the cooled candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature. This will prevent them from becoming soft or sticky.
* **Cool, Dry Place:** Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Excessive heat can cause the sugar coating to melt and the walnuts to become sticky.
* **Avoid Moisture:** Moisture is the enemy of candied walnuts. Make sure the container is completely dry before storing the walnuts, and avoid storing them in humid environments.
* **Shelf Life:** When stored properly, candied walnuts can last for up to two weeks at room temperature. However, they are best enjoyed within the first week for optimal freshness and crunch.
Troubleshooting
Even with a simple recipe like this, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:
* **Walnuts are Sticky:** This usually happens when the walnuts are not cooled completely or when they are stored in a humid environment. Make sure the walnuts are completely cool and hardened before storing them. If they become sticky, try spreading them out on a baking sheet and baking them in a low oven (200°F) for a few minutes to dry them out.
* **Syrup Burns:** The syrup can burn quickly if the heat is too high or if you’re not watching it carefully. If the syrup starts to burn, immediately remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly before proceeding. You may need to start over with a fresh batch of syrup.
* **Walnuts are Not Crunchy:** This can happen if the walnuts are not cooked long enough or if they are not spread out in a single layer to cool. Make sure to cook the walnuts until the syrup has a dry, sandy appearance. Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow them to cool and harden properly.
* **Walnuts are Too Sweet:** If you find the candied walnuts too sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or add a pinch more salt to balance the sweetness.
Dawn’s Candied Walnuts Recipe
Here is a printable version of Dawn’s Candied Walnuts recipe for your convenience:
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups raw walnut halves or pieces
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup water
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large skillet, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
3. Place the skillet over medium heat and bring the sugar mixture to a boil. Do not stir after it starts boiling. Let it boil undisturbed until the syrup turns a light golden color (5-7 minutes).
4. Add the walnuts and salt to the skillet. Stir continuously to coat the walnuts evenly with the syrup.
5. Continue cooking and stirring until the syrup thickens and crystallizes around the walnuts, and the sugar has a dry, sandy appearance (5-10 minutes).
6. If using, add vanilla extract or cinnamon during the last minute of cooking. Stir well.
7. Immediately pour the candied walnuts onto the prepared baking sheet and spread them into a single layer.
8. Let cool completely (30-60 minutes).
9. Break apart and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Serving Size: 1/4 cup
* Calories: Approximately 200
* Fat: 15g
* Saturated Fat: 1.5g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 30mg
* Carbohydrates: 15g
* Fiber: 2g
* Sugar: 12g
* Protein: 4g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Conclusion
Dawn’s Candied Walnuts are a simple yet satisfying treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a delicious salad topping, or a thoughtful gift, this recipe is sure to impress. With its easy-to-follow instructions and customizable flavor options, you can create perfectly candied walnuts every time. So, gather your ingredients, grab your skillet, and get ready to enjoy the sweet, crunchy goodness of homemade candied walnuts! This recipe is a testament to the fact that some of the best things in life are simple, made with love, and shared with those you care about. Enjoy!